Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cortiment (Budesonide-oral).
Corticosteroids: Inform all of your doctors if you have recently taken or are taking corticosteroids.
Diabetes: Corticosteroids such as budesonide may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Cortiment (Budesonide-oral). If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst, a fruity odour to your breath, frequent urination, or increased infections, contact your doctor.
High blood pressure: Corticosteroids can cause buildup of fluid in the body, which can increase the work necessary for the heart to pump the blood around the body. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Illness and surgery: People who take Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), or have taken other corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) in the last several months, may need additional corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) during times of any unusual stress, such as trauma, surgery, or infection.
Infections: When taken by mouth, Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may mask some signs of infection and put people at increased risk for new infections. Viral infections such as Chickenpox, Measles, or herpes can be more serious and possibly fatal for people who are taking budesonide. Adults who have not had these diseases should try to avoid exposure to individuals with these infections.
Galactose intolerance: Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) is prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance you should not take these medications.
Liver problems: Decreased liver function or liver disease can cause Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) to build up in the body, increasing the possibility of side effects. If you have decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Mental health: Corticosteroids appear to make behavior and thought disturbances worse for people who have psychotic conditions. They may also cause symptoms of psychosis and mania to develop in people who have not had these symptoms before. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Corticosteroids such as budesonide can cause muscle wasting, decreasing muscle. People with myasthenia gravis should discuss with their doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. If your doctor recommends that you use Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) for a long period of time, talk to your doctor about supplements and strategies to slow down and reduce bone loss.
Steroid medication use: If you have recently taken or are still taking a different oral steroid medication (e.g., prednisone), consult your doctor before using Cortiment (Budesonide-oral). If you experience symptoms such as tiredness, headache, nausea, or vomiting while taking Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), contact your doctor. This may be a sign of withdrawal from the previous corticosteroid.
Stomach and intestinal problems: When taken by mouth, budesonide may cause heartburn or even stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you have had any stomach discomfort or signs of bleeding in the stomach (black, tarry stools). If you have certain stomach and intestinal problems (e.g., blockage, infection), discuss with your doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vision problems: Budesonide can increase the risk of developing Cataracts or glaucoma. If you have glaucoma or cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience changes in your vision while taking budesonide, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Cortiment (Budesonide-oral), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Budesonide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking budesonide, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Cortiment (Budesonide-oral) have not been established for children.
