uceris

Uceris (budesonide) is a corticosteroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

Uceris is used to treat mild to moderate Crohn"s disease.

Uceris may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

When taking Uceris avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using budesonide.

Call your doctor if you have signs of too much corticosteroid in your body, such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Uceris if you are allergic to budesonide.

To make sure Uceris is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• tuberculosis (now or in the past);

• a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infection;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);

• high blood pressure;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• stomach ulcer;

• osteoporosis;

• any allergies; or

• a personal or family history of diabetes or glaucoma.

It is not known whether Uceris will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Budesonide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Uceris.

How should I take Uceris?

Take Uceris exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew, or break, an extended-release Uceris tablet. Swallow it whole.

Your dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, or are under stress. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Uceris.

If you use Uceris long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor"s office.

Store Uceris at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Uceris?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with budesonide and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Uceris.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using Uceris.

Uceris side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Uceris: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• thinning skin, easy bruising, increased acne or facial hair;

• menstrual problems (in women), impotence or loss of interest in sex (in men); or

• stretch marks, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist).

Common Uceris side effects may include:

• headache;

• mild nausea; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Uceris?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Uceris, especially:

• cimetidine;

• cyclosporine;

• haloperidol;

• imatinib;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;

• an antidepressant--desipramine, nefazodone, sertraline;

• antifungal medication--itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole;

• heart or blood pressure medication--amiodarone, diltiazem, dronedarone, nicardipine, quinidine, verapamil;

• hepatitis C medications--boceprevir, telaprevir;

• HIV/AIDS medication--atazanavir, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir; or

• any other steroids or drugs that can weaken the immune system.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with budesonide. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.