CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Julien Bazelle,
Medication: Budesonide
Medication: Budesonide
Your cat has been prescribed budesonide for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Key points:
• Steroid.
• This is not a licensed veterinary product. Your veterinarian will explain about off-license use of medications.
• Dosage: once to three times daily – as advised by your veterinarian.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Budesonide (byoo-dess-oh-niyd).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK, Europe or the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
Class of medication
- Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed budesonide?
Your veterinarian has prescribed budesonide for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
How is the medication given?
Budesonide is given orally (as tablets or capsules).
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Budesonide may occasionally cause vomiting. Administering the capsules with food may help to reduce vomiting. Other side-effects may include increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, tiredness, weight gain, thin skin, liver changes and poor wound healing. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Long term use of budesonide may increase the risk of adrenal suppression, and will mimic Cushing’s disease and enlarged liver.
Budesonide may react with the following medications: erythromycin, cimetidine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, diltiazem, NSAIDs such as carprofen, deracoxib, or robenacoxib, and oral antacids.
Budesonide is contraindicated for patients with intestinal perforation or liver disease. It should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, active infections or cataracts.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Your veterinarian will advise as to length of treatment.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused budesonide safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save budesonide for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Budesonide should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on budesonide?
Your veterinarian may need to monitor your dog via regular examinations and may need to run blood tests from time to time.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on budesonide can be found on the package insert or by contacting your veterinarian.
Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
