What is Ortikos? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Ortikos

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Do not miss any doses.

• Swallow the extended-release capsule or extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.

• If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and mix the granules into a tablespoonful of applesauce (not hot). Swallow the mixture whole. Do not chew or crush the granules. Take the mixture within 30 minutes. Drink a glass (8 ounces) of water right after.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually taken in the morning.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused applesauce mixture after 30 minutes.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ortikos

Ortikos contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ortikos?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to budesonide.

Ortikos warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, any type of infection (including tuberculosis), allergies, or a family history of cataracts, diabetes, or glaucoma.

• This medicine may increase your risk for adrenal gland problems if you use this medicine for a long time or use it too much.

• You may get infections more easily while you use this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone who has chicken pox or measles.

• This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Ortikos interactions & what to avoid when taking Ortikos

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how budesonide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, erythromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, saquinavirMedicine that weakens your immune system (including steroid or cancer medicines)Stomach medicine (including cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine)

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• You may get infections more easily while you use this medicine. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone who has chicken pox or measles.