Treatment Options Overview: Corticosteroids

PRODUCT DETAILS / COMPANY (APPROVED BY HEALTH CANADA FOR IBD INDICATIONS)

Budesonide MMX / Ferring Inc. (2016)

INDICATION

Delayed and extended-release tablets are indicated for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.

           

Logistics and Monitoring: Corticosteroids

METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral

DOSING - ADULTS

9 mg daily for up to 8 weeks.

DOSING - PEDIATRIC

In patients >30 kg, BDP is 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks and budesonide MMX 9 mg for 8 weeks.

Dosing for children <30 kg has not been established.

There is no evidence to support tapering. While abrupt discontinuation has been practiced in RCT’s, alternate day tapering over 2-4 weeks has been proposed by some.12

           

RCTs: randomized clinical trials, IV: intravenous, BDP: beclomethasone dipropionate

Side Effects: Corticosteroids

SIDE EFFECTS

For more detailed information regarding side effects, please refer to the appropriate product monograph.

• Increased risk of infection
• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Osteoporosis
• Peptic ulcer
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Cushing syndrome
• Mood changes

           

IBD: inflammatory bowel disease

Special Populations: Corticosteroids

PEDIATRICS

Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. No data available.

Turner D. et al. suggest12:

May be considered for left-sided colitis with mild disease refractory to 5-ASA before oral prednisone.

ELDERLY

There is insufficient and adequate data in patients >65. Caution should be used due to potential decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, or due to concomitant disease or therapies.

Recommendations14:

May be preferred in older patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis.

PREGNANCY

Coming soon

BREASTFEEDING

Coming soon

           

IBD: inflammatory bowel disease, 5-ASA: 5-aminosalicylic acid, ECCO: European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization, EEN: enteral nutrition