Entocort Uses

Entocort EC is used for treating mild to moderate active Crohn's disease and for continuing treatment of Crohn's disease that has been in remission for three months. Although Entocort EC is not a cure for Crohn's disease, it is very useful for controlling "flares" of the disease. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend the medication for treating other conditions. These "off-label" Entocort EC uses may include the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

 

What Is Entocort Used For?

Entocort® EC (budesonide EC) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of Crohn's disease. In particular, it is approved for use in the following ways:
 
  • For treating mild to moderate active Crohn's disease
  • For continuing treatment of Crohn's disease once remission (improvement) is seen for up to three months.
     
Also, Entocort EC is only approved for use in people who have Crohn's disease that affects the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) or the ascending colon (the first part of the large intestine or colon).
 
Crohn's disease is a type of "inflammatory bowel disease," or "IBD." There are several different types of IBD, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common. They all cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Although much research is underway, Crohn's disease causes are not well understood.
 
Depending on the severity of your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more different treatments. These Crohn's disease treatment options include:
 
Although Entocort EC is not a Crohn's cure, it is very useful for controlling "flares" of the disease. Flares occur when the symptoms of Crohn's disease temporarily get worse; "remission" occurs when the symptoms improve. Although continuous use of steroids (including Entocort EC) is not recommended, these medications are often necessary to help get the disease under control.
 
(Entocort Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;