Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking budesonide tablets, capsules and granules - Brand names: Budenofalk, Entocort CR, Cortiment, Jorveza

Budesonide and pregnancy

Steroid tablets like budesonide are commonly used in pregnancy. Most doctors will recommend continuing to take them if they are needed.

Taking budesonide for a long time in pregnancy might affect your baby's growth and you may need extra scans later on in your pregnancy.

If it's not well treated, inflammatory bowel disease can affect your baby, causing premature birth and growth problems. It's recommended that you continue to take budesonide to keep you and your baby well.

Budesonide and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take budesonide while you're breastfeeding.

It is not known how much budesonide gets into breast milk, but it's likely to be a small amount, and it is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. However, your baby may need extra monitoring if you take higher doses or if you're taking it for a long time.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Budesonide and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking budesonide reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant.

For more information about how budesonide can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.