What are the common side effects of budesonide tablets, capsules, and granules? Learn about the serious side effects to watch out for and how to manage them effectively.

Common Side Effects of Budesonide

Budesonide, a widely used medication, can cause various side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The common side effects of budesonide happen in more than 1 in 100 people and include:

Stomach Pain or Indigestion

To help cope with this, it may be helpful to stick to plain foods. If the pain is severe or does not go away, it’s best to talk to your doctor, as they may be able to prescribe an extra medicine to protect your stomach.

Headaches

Ensuring you rest and drink plenty of fluids, while limiting alcohol consumption, can be beneficial. You can also ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. If the headaches last longer than a week or are severe, it’s advisable to speak with your doctor.

Muscle Pains

If you experience unusual muscle ache that is not from exercise or physical work, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Skin Reactions

Skin reactions such as a rash, acne, or wounds that do not heal should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.

Oral Thrush

Pain, discomfort, or white spots in the mouth or food pipe (thrush) can be a sign of an infection. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor, as they may prescribe something to treat the infection.

Serious Side Effects of Budesonide

It’s important to be aware of the serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor or call 111 straight away:

Signs of Infection

Symptoms like a high temperature, sore throat, ear or sinus pain, a change in mucus color, or a wound that won’t heal can be signs of an infection.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Weight gain in the upper back or tummy, a puffy, rounded face, severe headaches, and slow wound healing may indicate Cushing’s syndrome.

Adrenal Gland Problems

Feeling or being sick, dizziness, muscle weakness, mood changes, loss of appetite, and weight loss can be signs of adrenal gland problems.

Eye Problems

Changes in your eyesight, such as blurred vision or a cloudy lens in the eye, can be signs of increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma) or a cataract.

Potassium Level Changes

Muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or changes in your heart rate can be signs of low potassium levels.

Pancreas Problems

Severe stomach pain, severe back pain, feeling or being sick, or diarrhea can be signs of pancreas problems.

Mood Changes and Mental Health

You may notice mood changes and mental health problems while taking budesonide. Talk to your doctor or contact 111 if you experience:

• Feeling depressed
• Feeling high or having mood swings
• Feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, difficulty in thinking, or being confused and losing your memory
• Feeling, seeing, or hearing things that do not exist (hallucinations)
• Having strange and frightening thoughts, changing how you act, or having feelings of being alone

The higher the dose, the more intense the mood changes can be. If you experience any of these, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Serious Allergic Reaction

It’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction to budesonide (anaphylaxis). Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:

• A skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Trouble breathing or talking
• Your mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat start swelling

This could be a serious allergic reaction and may require immediate treatment in the hospital.

Long-Term Side Effects in Children and Teenagers

Taking budesonide at higher doses for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers. Their doctor will monitor their height and weight carefully to spot any slowing down of their growth and make adjustments to the treatment if necessary.

Managing Side Effects

If the advice on how to cope with the common side effects does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away, it’s best to speak to a doctor or pharmacist. They can provide further guidance on managing the side effects and ensure your treatment is as effective and safe as possible.