Entocort EC (Budesonide)

Name: Entocort EC
Brand: Tillotts Pharma
SKU: 0431
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Entocort EC Enema

Manufacturer: Tillotts Pharma

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 2 mg/100 ml/7 enemas

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Entocort EC SR Capsule

Manufacturer: Pendopharm Pharmascience

Country: Canada

Dosage: 3 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Entocort EC Capsule

Manufacturer: Tillotts Pharma

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 3 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Entocort EC

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Budesonide Capsule

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 3 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Entocort EC Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on June 18, 2025.

Entocort EC and Budesonide at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Entocort EC, manufactured by Pendopharm Pharmascience in Canada and also marketed and distributed by Tillotts Pharma in the United Kingdom.

Generic budesonide is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important information about Generic Budesonide:

Generic budesonide contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Entocort EC, and meets the same effectiveness, safety, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Entocort EC. While specific bioequivalence studies are conducted to ensure generic medications have comparable absorption rates and overall effects, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about generic budesonide.

For information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs

Dosage:

Entocort EC comes in the following strengths and forms (at this pharmacy):
• Entocort EC (budesonide) 3 mg capsules are delayed-release oral capsules. EC enteric-coated) Inherently implies a delayed or sustained release (SR)
• Entocort EC 2 mg/100 ml: This is a rectal suspension with a concentration of 0.002 mg/mL. It comes in a pack of 7 enemas, each delivering about 2 mg of budesonide.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your needs and medical condition.

Usage:

Entocort EC is a prescription medication used to manage mild to moderate Crohn’s disease, specifically when the condition affects the lower part of the small intestine (ileum) and/or the beginning of the large intestine (ascending colon).

For more information, please refer to the product labelling information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021324s018lbl.pdf.

Mechanism of Action
Entocort EC (budesonide) is a type of glucocorticoid hormone that works by reducing inflammation, primarily in the intestines. Unlike other steroids that affect the whole body, Entocort EC is designed to release most of its medicine directly into the inflamed areas of the lower small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Once there, it acts by calming down the overactive immune cells and switching off genes that promote inflammation, while turning on those that help reduce it. Because a significant portion of the medicine is processed and broken down by the liver before it enters the bloodstream, Entocort EC has a strong local effect where it's needed most, with fewer widespread side effects compared to other oral steroids.

Use Entocort EC exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage or stop using the medication without consulting your doctor. Follow instructions in the product monograph in Canada: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00044730.PDF. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Entocort EC, it is essential to discuss all possible aspects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Entocort EC, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects: These are examples of some common side effects of Entocort EC, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Fatigue or tiredness.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, vomiting, gas (flatulence), and diarrhea.
• Headache: This is one of the most frequently reported side effects.
• Muscle and joint pain, back pain.
• Respiratory infections: Such as colds, sore throat, or infections in your airways.
• Symptoms of hypercorticism (excess steroid in the body): While less common and generally milder than with other systemic steroids, these can include:
o Acne
o Ankle swelling
o Easy bruising
o Increased facial or body hair (hirsutism)
o Moon face (rounding of the face)
o Weight gain

Serious or rare effects: Stop taking Entocort EC and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Adrenal suppression: Long-term use can cause your adrenal glands to produce less of their natural steroid hormones. Symptoms can include severe tiredness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. This is particularly important if you are switching from other oral steroids like prednisone.
• Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing. These can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
• Bone thinning (Osteoporosis): Steroids can affect bone density over time, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Cushing's Syndrome: While less likely than with systemic steroids, prolonged use can rarely lead to symptoms like significant weight gain (especially in the midsection), a fatty hump between the shoulders ("buffalo hump"), thin or fragile skin, and significant stretch marks.
• Esophageal damage: Rarely, Entocort EC can cause acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus, leading to heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing.
• Eye problems: Long-term use can increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), which can affect vision. Regular eye exams are recommended.
• Growth suppression in children: If used long-term in children, it can affect their growth. Their doctor will monitor their height and weight closely.
• Increased risk of infections: Because steroids can weaken your immune system, you are more susceptible to infections. Watch for signs like fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, unexplained pain, or wounds that don't heal. This includes a risk of reactivating latent infections like tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B.
• Mood and behavioral changes: These can include anxiety, nervousness, confusion, irritability, depression, or even more severe psychiatric effects like hallucinations or thoughts of self-harm.

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Entocort EC should not be used if:
Hypersensitivity/Allergy: You should not take Entocort EC if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to budesonide or any of the other ingredients in the Entocort EC capsules. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), can occur.

Untreated Systemic or Local Infections:
• Active Tuberculosis (TB): If you have active TB, Entocort EC should not be used as it can reactivate or worsen the infection.
• Cerebral Malaria: Steroids are generally avoided in patients with cerebral malaria.
• Certain parasitic infections, such as strongyloides (threadworm) infestation, as well as steroid-induced immunosuppression, can lead to severe and widespread disease.
• Ocular Herpes Simplex: Due to the risk of exacerbating the viral infection in the eye.
• Systemic or local bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Steroids can suppress the immune system, potentially worsening existing infections or making new infections more likely or severe.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Entocort EC. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Entocort EC is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Conditions Worsened by Steroids: Conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or stomach ulcers should be managed carefully, as corticosteroids can potentially exacerbate these conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks.
• Live Vaccines: While taking Entocort EC, generally avoid live vaccines (like MMR or BCG) as your immune system might be suppressed, making the vaccine less effective or potentially causing an infection.
• Other Infections (Latent/Past): Your doctor will carefully assess if you have a history of certain infections (e.g., latent TB, Hepatitis B, amebiasis, or a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles) as steroid use can reactivate these or lead to more severe outcomes.
• Severe Liver Impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): Budesonide is extensively metabolized by the liver. In severe liver disease, the drug may not be broken down efficiently, leading to much higher levels in the bloodstream and an increased risk of systemic steroid side effects. Use is generally avoided or not recommended.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Entocort, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the Entocort website | Tillots Pharma: https://www.tillotts.com/products/entocort/

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Entocort may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to: • Antacids and Bile Acid Sequestrants: Antacids or bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine, used for high cholesterol) can bind to budesonide in the gut and reduce its absorption. It's usually recommended to take Entocort EC at least 2 hours before or after these medications.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Increase Budesonide Levels): These medications slow down the breakdown of budesonide in the liver, leading to higher levels of budesonide in your bloodstream and an increased risk of steroid-related side effects (like "moon face," easy bruising, acne, etc.).
o Antifungal Medications: Ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole.
o Calcium Channel Blockers: Verapamil, diltiazem.
o Certain Antibiotics: Clarithromycin, erythromycin.
o Grapefruit/Grapefruit Juice: This is a very important interaction. Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 in the gut, significantly increasing budesonide absorption. You should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice entirely while taking Entocort EC.
o HIV Protease Inhibitors: Ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, lopinavir, cobicistat.
o Other Medications: Cimetidine (an antacid), cyclosporine.
• CYP3A4 Inducers (Decrease Budesonide Levels): These medications speed up the breakdown of budesonide, potentially making Entocort EC less effective in treating your Crohn's disease.
o Apalutamide: A medication used for prostate cancer.
o Certain Anti-seizure Medications: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital.
o Rifampin: An antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
• Live Vaccines: Because Entocort EC is a steroid and can suppress the immune system, live vaccines (like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, or BCG) should generally be avoided while taking it. There's a risk that the vaccine might not be effective or could cause an infection.
• Other Steroids: If you are switching from a more systemic corticosteroid (like prednisone) to Entocort EC, your doctor will carefully manage the transition. Stopping other steroids abruptly can lead to steroid withdrawal symptoms or adrenal insufficiency, even while starting Entocort EC.

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding:

While animal studies suggest a potential for harm to an unborn baby, the amount of Entocort EC that reaches the bloodstream and then the baby is much lower compared to other steroid medications, due to its targeted action. For breastfeeding mothers, while budesonide does pass into breast milk, the amount is expected to be very small, and significant harm to the baby is unlikely. Your doctor will help you weigh the importance of your treatment.

Use in Children:

Entocort EC’s use in children is specifically approved for those 8 years of age and older who weigh more than 25 kg (approximately 55 lbs) for treating mild to moderate active Crohn's disease affecting the ileum and/or ascending colon. While efficacy in this pediatric subset is established, its safety and effectiveness are not established for children younger than 8 years or those weighing 25 kg or less, nor for the maintenance of remission in any pediatric age group. Always consult your child’s doctor for the most appropriate and safest treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Entocort EC at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com:

Why is Entocort EC more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Entocort EC, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on getting you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

Is there a limit on how many Entocort EC capsules I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Entocort EC at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Entocort EC over the counter from you?

No, Entocort EC requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Entocort EC?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, called Budesonide.

Does Budesonide weaken your immune system?

Budesonide can weaken your immune system. Inform your doctor if you have any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, or feeling tired.

Blog Post:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Does Diet Play A Role?

News:

Genetic Mutation Linking Crohn’s Disease to Iron Deficiency Identified (article published on June 9, 2025)

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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