How and when to use budesonide rectal foam and enemas - Brand names: Budenofalk, Entocort

Always use budesonide rectal foam and enemas as a doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Dosage

The usual dose of budesonide rectal foam or budesonide enema is 2mg, used once a day for up to 8 weeks.

Budesonide rectal foam

Budesonide rectal foam comes in a can with single-use plastic tubes (applicators) that you use to insert the foam.

Each application gives a 2mg dose of budesonide.

Try to use it at about the same time of day, either in the morning or in the evening before bed.

Use the rectal foam after doing a poo. This is because the medicine works best when your bowels are empty.

After you use the foam, try not to poo again for at least a few hours. For the medicine to work properly it needs to stay inside your bowel as long as possible.

How to use it

1. Read the instruction leaflet. The pictures show you exactly how to use the foam.
2. If you're using it for the first time, remove the plastic flap (or safety lock) from underneath the dome-shaped pump at the top of the can.
3. Wash your hands before and after using the foam.
4. Push a new applicator onto the nozzle. This nozzle sticks out beneath the dome at the top of the can.
5. Shake the can for about 15 seconds.
6. Twist the rounded dome at the bottom.
7. Put your index finger on top of the dome and turn the can upside down. It's important to keep the can as straight (vertical) as possible.
8. Stand with one leg raised on a chair – or lie down on your side if you prefer. Gently put the applicator into your bottom as far as possible.
9. Push the dome down fully once.
10. Then release the dome slowly. The foam comes out of the spray can when you do this.
11. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before removing the applicator from your bottom. This is important to make sure you get the full dose and to stop any foam spilling out.
12. Twist the dome at the base and remove the applicator from the nozzle. This stops any foam coming out when you're not using it. Put the applicator in the plastic bag provided and throw the bag away.

Budesonide enemas

This medicine comes as liquid and tablets that you mix together. Once made up, it contains a 2mg dose of budesonide.

It's best to use budesonide enemas at night, just before going to bed.

It's best to go to the toilet before using the enema. This is because it's more comfortable if you empty your bowels and bladder before using it.

You may want to sleep on a towel or similar covering. This is to protect your bedding from stains.

How to use a budesonide enema

You should have 1 bottle of liquid, 1 nozzle and enema tablets.

1. Check the instruction leaflet first. The pictures show you exactly how to prepare and use the enema.
2. Take a bottle of the liquid and unscrew the cap.
3. Remove 1 tablet from the foil strip and drop it into the bottle of liquid.
4. Replace the cap and screw firmly back onto the bottle.
5. Shake the bottle well for at least 15 seconds, or until the tablet has dissolved in the liquid.
6. Remove the cap and screw the nozzle tightly onto the top of the bottle.
7. The enema is now ready and should be used immediately.
8. Wash your hands before and after using the enema.
9. Lie on your side, with your bottom slightly higher than the rest of your body. You can use a pillow to lift your bottom up. You may want to lie on a towel.
10. Put one of the disposable plastic bags provided over your hand (like a glove) and pick up the bottle.
11. Shake the bottle and remove only the protective cap that covers the nozzle (do not unscrew the nozzle itself).
12. Gently push the nozzle into your bottom as far as is comfortable. You can use a lubricant if you find this uncomfortable.
13. Squeeze the bottle to push the liquid into your bottom. It's normal for some liquid to be left in the bottle afterwards.
14. Remove the nozzle from your bottom.
15. Put the bottle into the disposable plastic bag by rolling the bag off your hand and over the bottle, ready to throw away.
16. Roll onto your front and wait for 5 minutes. This will stop any liquid coming out of your bottom.
17. For sleeping, find a comfortable position that keeps the liquid in your bottom for as long as possible. The longer it stays there, the better it will work.

How long to use it for

Your doctor will tell you how long to use budesonide rectal foam or enemas for. This will usually be for no longer than 8 weeks. Do not use budesonide rectal foam or enemas for more than 8 weeks without speaking to a doctor.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use your budesonide rectal foam or enema, use it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for the next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Never use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to use this medicine.

If you use too much

Using too much budesonide is unlikely to harm you.

If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.