UCERIS/CORTIMENT (Budesonide)

What is this medication?

Budesonide (Enteric Coated Multimatrix Tablet), Cortiment/Uceris
Corticosteroid 

Officially indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Crohn disease.

Brand Name US: Uceris
Canadian Label: Cortiment

How does this medication work? 

Budesonide, Cortiment/Uceris is a synthetic glucocorticoid that acts within the gastrointestinal tract and only has a weak systemic effect.  The exact mechanism of action of Budesonide, Cortiment/Uceris is not known but is believed to be due to its ability to supress inflammatory mediators and the body’s immunological response to inflammation.

Budesonide, Cortiment/Uceris is formulated as a multi-matrix enteric coated tablet that dissolves at a pH>7, delivering Budesonide/Uceris, Cortiment to the entire colon.

How should I take this medication? 

Crohn disease (mild to moderate)
Oral: Take 9mg once daily in the morning for up to 8 weeks; recurring episodes may be treated with a repeat 8-week course of treatment.

*Following treatment of the active disease, treatment can be continued at a daily dose of 6mg for up to 3 months.  If symptom control is maintained for 3 months, tapering of the dosage to complete cessation is recommended.

How to Take:  Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.  It is best to take Budesonide, Cortiment/Uceris in the morning without regard to meals.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Can cause hypercortisolism or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in young children or if receiving high doses for prolonged periods. 

Increased risk of secondary infections due to immunosuppression associated with prolonged use of corticosteroids

Can cause development of Kaposi sarcoma, myopathy, and psychiatric disturbances

Use with caution in patients with heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, ocular disease, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, seizures disorders, hepatic and renal impairment

What is the Difference Between Budesonide (Enteric Coated Multimatrix Tablet), Cortiment/Uceris:  Entocort is an enteric coated capsule that has a delayed/controlled ileal release of Budesonide.  Studies have shown that Entocort is continually released during passage through the small intestine and ascending colon with the majority of absorption taking place in the ileum and ascending colon.  Uceris is formulated as an extended release 24-hour tablet which results in its time to reach peak concentration delayed compared to Entocort.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed.  Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication? 

The most common side effects include:

>10%

Central Nervous System: Headache (15% to 21%)

Dermatologic: Acne vulgaris (15%)

Endocrine & Metabolic: Decreased cortisol (foam 17%; tablets 2% to 4%), bruise (15%), moon face (11%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (2% to 11%)

Respiratory: Respiratory tract infection (11%)