Entocort® EC Capsules for Crohn’s Disease

Entocort® EC is a budesonide capsule used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease affecting the ileum and ascending colon. It targets intestinal inflammation and is designed to act where symptoms start. This page helps you review uses, dosing basics, safety, and how you can place your order with US delivery from Canada, including options for Entocort EC 3 mg without insurance.

What Entocort Is and How It Works

This medicine contains budesonide, a corticosteroid formulated with enteric coating so it dissolves in the lower small intestine and proximal colon. The treatment reduces inflammatory signaling in the gut lining. By acting locally and undergoing high first-pass metabolism in the liver, it may lead to fewer systemic steroid effects compared with some oral steroids, per labeling.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Because it is a glucocorticoid, it modulates immune activity to help calm flares. Effects and tolerability can vary. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official product label when using this therapy. For broader condition context, see our Crohns Disease hub and related Corticosteroids category.

Who It’s For

The capsule is indicated for adults and certain pediatric patients for induction and maintenance of clinical remission in mild to moderate Crohn’s disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon. People with known hypersensitivity to budesonide should not use it. Those with active, uncontrolled infections, untreated tuberculosis, or severe liver disease require careful evaluation before starting corticosteroid therapy.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss benefits and risks with your clinician. People with glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension, or diabetes should also review risks since corticosteroids can affect these conditions. Explore related topics in our Gastrointestinal category.

Dosage and Usage

Use exactly as prescribed. Labeling commonly describes an induction phase followed by a maintenance phase for those who respond. Many adults start with a once-daily morning dose, taken consistently at the same time. Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or open the pellets. If swallowing is difficult, ask your prescriber about labeled methods or alternatives.

During induction, your healthcare professional may re-evaluate symptoms and adjust the plan according to the official label. Maintenance treatment is generally used for a limited period in responders. Do not stop abruptly without medical guidance, especially if you have used systemic steroids recently. Treatment decisions should always be individualized.

Strengths and Forms

The product is supplied as delayed-release capsules. A commonly available presentation is the Budesonide 3 mg EC cap. Availability can vary by pharmacy and country of origin. Your prescription will specify strength, quantity, and duration.

Some patients may discuss adjunctive therapies for symptom control or remission support. For additional information on aminosalicylates used in IBD, you can review our educational article Pentasa Guide.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed capsule. If repeated missed doses occur, speak with your healthcare professional about adherence strategies.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store in a dry place at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, keep the medication in its original labeled container along with a copy of your prescription. Pack it in your carry-on to avoid loss or temperature extremes. Use a reminder system if your schedule changes across time zones. Our pharmacies use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This therapy belongs to a class of corticosteroids that act locally in the intestine. It is designed to reduce inflammation in areas commonly affected by Crohn’s disease. Many patients value once-daily morning dosing and the targeted release profile. Compared with systemic steroids, label information notes lower systemic availability, which may be associated with fewer systemic steroid effects; individual results vary.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Indigestion or nausea
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Respiratory infection or sore throat
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle aches

More serious risks can include hypercorticism and adrenal suppression, especially with higher exposures or interacting drugs. Long-term corticosteroid effects can involve bone loss, cataracts, glaucoma, and changes in glucose, blood pressure, or mood. Infections may worsen or new infections can occur. Seek urgent care for severe allergic reactions, vision changes, significant swelling, unusual bruising, or severe abdominal pain.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, and some antivirals can increase budesonide levels. Inducers like rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can reduce exposure. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can raise systemic levels. Combining with other corticosteroids or medicines that affect immune response may increase risks. Live vaccines are generally not recommended during corticosteroid therapy. Always review your full medication list, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements, with your prescriber.

What to Expect Over Time

Response varies. Some patients report improving abdominal pain, stool frequency, and overall comfort as treatment progresses. Your prescriber may monitor symptoms and adjust your plan in line with the label. Consistent daily use, avoiding missed doses, and keeping follow-up visits support the best assessment of how well the therapy is working for you. Regular eye checks and bone health discussions may be considered if treatment continues beyond short-term use.

Compare With Alternatives

Biologic therapies are options for moderate to severe disease or for patients not responding to steroids. Two examples include Stelara Pre Filled Syringe and Skyrizi Pre Fill Cartridge. These are administered by injection and have distinct mechanisms from corticosteroids. Discuss eligibility, monitoring, and administration training with your clinician to determine the most appropriate path for your condition and history.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent options so you can compare the Entocort EC price with generic alternatives and see Budesonide EC cost details before checkout. For those looking for discounts, see whether a Budesonide EC coupon is available on our Promotions page. We provide US shipping from Canada with clear fees shown at checkout.

If you want to learn more about paying for medicines, our explainer on out-of-pocket spending may help: Without Insurance Costs. Availability and selection can vary by pharmacy partner and regulatory requirements.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply may fluctuate. If the brand version is unavailable, a prescriber may consider a suitable generic or an alternative therapy based on your history and label guidance. Pharmacists will dispense exactly what your prescription specifies unless your prescriber authorizes substitution. If you have questions about specific manufacturers or country of origin, contact support before you place your order.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease affecting the ileum and/or ascending colon who need short-term induction or maintenance based on label criteria. It may not be appropriate for people with severe infections, significant liver impairment, or known hypersensitivity. Review your vaccination status and infection risks with your clinician.

To manage costs, ask your prescriber about multi-month fills if appropriate, which may reduce per-fill fees. Set refill reminders to avoid gaps. Compare brand and generic options and review the Entocort EC cost against budesonide. When possible, schedule follow-up visits to align with refill timing so your clinician can assess response and continue the plan without interruption.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a corticosteroid capsule right for my disease location and severity?
• How long should induction and maintenance typically last for me?
• What signs suggest I should contact the office sooner?
• Do any of my current medicines interact with budesonide?
• Should I avoid grapefruit or certain supplements?
• What monitoring do I need for eye health and bone health?
• If this does not work well, what are the next options?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Budesonide (Entocort EC) LabelingHealth Canada Drug Product DatabaseCrohns Disease

Ready to get started? Order Entocort EC online with prompt, express shipping. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional or the official labeling.