Entocort General Information
Entocort is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Entocort belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works directly in the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways.
Entocort must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of Entocort that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Entocort for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Entocort may also be used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.
How to Use Entocort
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Entocort and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of Entocort. Make sure you understand how to operate the breathing machine (compressed air jet nebulizer with face mask or mouthpiece) and how to properly clean it to prevent infections. If you have any questions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.
Do not use Entocort in an ultrasonic nebulizer. Do not mix Entocort suspension with other medications in the nebulizer. A parent or other responsible adult should supervise a child who is using this machine. If you have any questions, ask your heath care professional.
Shake the container gently before use. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Entocort comes in different strengths. Check that you are using the correct strength.
Inhale Entocort by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. While inhaling Entocort, breathe calmly and deeply until the mist stops, usually over 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid getting the medication in the eyes.
To prevent dry mouth, hoarseness, and oral yeast infections, gargle and rinse your mouth with water after each use. Do not swallow the rinse water. Also, wash your face where the face mask/mouthpiece has touched your skin to prevent skin reactions and irritation.
Use Entocort regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or stop using Entocort without first consulting your doctor.
Learn which of your inhalers/medications you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.
If you are regularly using a different corticosteroid (such as prednisone), you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your old medication after you are using Entocort. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.
You may notice a benefit within 2-8 days of starting Entocort. It may take up to 4-6 weeks of regular use before the full benefit of Entocort takes effect. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Entocort Possible Side Effects
Dry/irritated throat, hoarseness, voice changes, bad taste in the mouth, runny nose, or nosebleeds may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Entocort because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Entocort do not have serious side effects.
Infrequently, Entocort may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma immediately after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, use your quick-relief inhaler and seek immediate medical attention.
Because Entocort works by weakening the immune system, it may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection (such as ear pain, sore throat, fever, chills). Use of Entocort for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush (yeast infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth or on your tongue.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness, vision problems, easy bruising/bleeding, puffy face, unusual hair growth, mental/mood changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, thinning skin, slow wound healing, increased thirst/urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to Entocort is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Entocort Precautions
Before using Entocort, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Entocort may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Entocort, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye disease (such as cataracts, glaucoma), high blood pressure, liver disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer), bone loss (osteoporosis), current/past infections (such as tuberculosis, positive tuberculosis test, herpes, fungal), bleeding problems, mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression).
If you have switched from a corticosteroid taken by mouth (such as prednisone tablets) to this inhaler within the past 12 months, or if you have been using Entocort in higher-than-usual doses for a long time, it may be more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Entocort or have used a corticosteroid taken by mouth within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. Carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that says you use (or have used) corticosteroid medications.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Entocort may mask signs of infection. It can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Entocort may cause vaccines not to work as well. Therefore, do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Entocort without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
Entocort may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time, but poorly controlled asthma can also slow down growth. The effect on final adult height is unknown. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Entocort. Babies born to mothers who have used corticosteroids for a long time may develop hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
Entocort passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Entocort Possible Intercations
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Entocort include: aldesleukin, mifepristone.
Entocort may interfere with certain lab tests (such as skin tests). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Entocort.