Budesonide
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Budesonide during a consultation by Dr Noor. Budesonide for pets information is provided below.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It is not a replacement for the medical guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine belongs to a group called corticosteroids (a type of steroid medicine used to reduce swelling and irritation).
It comes as tablets and capsules.
Other common names
- Entocort EC
- Tarpeyo
- Uceris
Uses
This medicine is not approved specifically for animals, but it is approved for use in humans.
Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in a way not specifically listed on the label for:
- Treating inflammation (irritation and swelling) in the intestines in dogs and cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently taking
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Also tell your veterinarian if your animal is going to have allergy testing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in animals:
- Animals that have an allergy to this medicine or to other corticosteroids (steroid medicines)
- Animals that are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, which are certain pain/inflammation medicines) or other steroids. Using these together can raise the chance of stomach ulcers and bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Animals that have high cortisol levels (Cushing’s disease)
Use with caution in animals:
- Animals with diabetes
- Animals that have ulcers in the stomach, intestines, or eyes
- Animals with heart, kidney, liver, or bone disease
- Animals that currently have an infection
- Animals that are young and still growing
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- Budesonide is a steroid anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat inflammation in the intestines.
- Give this medicine with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Make sure your animal always has plenty of fresh water available. This medicine can make your animal drink more.
- Do not stop giving this medicine suddenly. The dose must be reduced slowly over time, especially if it has been used for more than 2 weeks.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Do not break, split, or crush tablets. Do not open capsules unless your veterinarian has specifically instructed you to do so.
- Give with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- Be sure your animal has plenty of fresh water. This medicine can increase thirst.
- For dogs, give this medicine in the morning. This may help reduce the chance your dog will need to urinate during the night.
Side effects of Budesonide for pets
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Small changes in behavior
- Increased hunger and increased thirst, especially in dogs
- Needing to urinate more often, especially in dogs
- Panting, especially in dogs
Possible with long-term use – contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs:
- Weight gain or a belly that looks enlarged (pot-bellied)
- Changes to the skin or coat, including hair loss
- Loss of muscle
- Weakness
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Black stools that look like tar, or vomit with blood. These can be signs of ulcers or bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
- Weight loss along with very increased hunger, thirst, or urination.
- Major behavior changes, such as aggression or threatening behavior
Budesonide can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection, which can make infections more likely. It can also hide some usual signs of infection. Low energy may be the only sign you notice. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your animal suddenly becomes low-energy.
How will I know it's working?
- Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
- Your animal may begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days. After that, you should see the symptoms improve little by little.
- Your veterinarian may need to do follow-up testing to check how well this medicine is working.
How long will the medication effects last?
- This medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effects may last longer if your animal’s liver function is reduced.
How long do I give it for?
- This medicine may be used for different lengths of time. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs. You may need prescription refills.
- Do not stop giving this medicine suddenly, especially if it has been used for more than 2 weeks.
- When stopping, the dose must be lowered slowly over time to avoid unwanted effects.
- Your veterinarian will give you instructions for how to reduce the dose.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Skip the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light and moisture.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
- Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”