Cortiment (Budesonide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cortiment Used For?
Cortiment is a corticosteroid medication specifically designed to treat inflammatory bowel conditions in adults.
Primary Uses
Cortiment is used in adults to induce remission in patients with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC) where mesalazine (5-ASA) treatment is not enough or not tolerated.
How It Works
Cortiment helps reduce inflammation in the large intestine (colon), which is commonly affected in ulcerative colitis. The tablets release budesonide in a controlled manner along the colon to target inflammation directly where it’s needed.
How to Take Cortiment
Cortiment should be taken consistently at the same time each day for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Usually, you will take one Cortiment 9 mg tablet daily. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water – do not chew, crush or break the tablets. Take at the same time each day in the morning with or without food. Follow instructions and take until your doctor tells you to stop, usually for a maximum of eight weeks.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea (feeling sick) or headache
- dry mouth
- bloating, stomach pain or discomfort
- indigestion
- reflux or heartburn
- Cushing-like symptoms such as round face, acne, weight gain and a tendency to bruise easily
- muscle aches and pain
- muscle cramps
- muscle weakness or fatigue, thirst or a tingling sensation
- heavy or irregular menstruation in women
- skin rash or itchiness
- acne
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Psychological problems including depression and thoughts of suicide
- Increased bone fragility (osteoporosis)
- Glaucoma (high eyeball pressure)
- Effect on the adrenal gland
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Cortiment may not be suitable or requires special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Cortiment
Do not take Cortiment if you are allergic to budesonide, peanut oil, soy or any of the ingredients listed. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have or have had: infection (including viral, bacterial and/or fungal infections), tuberculosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stomach ulcer, elevated eyeball pressure (glaucoma) or cataract, family history of diabetes or glaucoma, liver problems, mental health problems such as depression, or are scheduled to undergo surgery or experiencing any other stresses.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking Cortiment.
Chicken pox/Measles: Tell your doctor if you have NOT had chicken pox or measles or if you have been in contact with people with these infections. These infections may be more serious if you get them while taking Cortiment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Cortiment and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Grapefruit interaction: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Cortiment. Grapefruit juice can affect budesonide levels in the body and may increase the chances of getting unwanted side effects.
- Medicines used to treat heart failure (e.g. cardiac glycosides such as digoxin)
- Medicines used to treat high blood pressure and fluid build-up (e.g. diuretics)
- Medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole or itraconazole)
- Medicine used to treat HIV infections (e.g. HIV protease inhibitors)
- Medicines that contain oestrogens, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies
- Medicine used to treat epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine)
- Cholesterol-lowering medicines, antacids or medicines used to treat itch caused by liver problems (e.g. cholestyramine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness while taking Cortiment.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Cortiment affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Store Cortiment in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight – do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on windowsills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Do not take after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Cortiment, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cortiment is usually taken daily for a maximum of eight weeks to induce remission in ulcerative colitis. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate treatment duration.
Yes, Cortiment should be taken at the same time each day in the morning with or without food.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
No, do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
Grapefruit juice can affect budesonide levels in the body, which may increase the chances of getting unwanted side effects. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Cortiment.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Cortiment. If you are about to have blood tests or surgery, tell your healthcare provider as it may interfere with test results or require special considerations.
Yes, weight gain is listed as one of the Cushing-like symptoms that can occur as a common side effect of Cortiment, along with round face, acne, and tendency to bruise easily.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.