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Compare Entocort vs. Imuran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Entocort EC (budesonide) and Imuran (azathioprine) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Entocort EC is a corticosteroid used to treat mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease by reducing inflammation in the intestines. It is taken once daily, usually in the morning, and is available in a lower-cost generic form. Common side effects include headaches and respiratory infections. On the other hand, Imuran is an immunosuppressant used primarily to prevent kidney transplant rejection and to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It works by weakening the immune system and is also available in a generic form. Imuran requires regular blood tests due to its many side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and a higher risk of infections and certain cancers. Unlike Entocort EC, Imuran is not a first-choice medication for its conditions due to its extensive side effect profile.

  • Budesonide
    Imuran (azathioprine)
  • Budesonide
    Imuran (azathioprine)

  • Summary of Entocort vs. Imuran

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Budesonide is a corticosteroid that's used to treat mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease in adults and children. It's available as capsules that are taken by mouth once daily. The most common side effects are headache and respirator infections. More rarely, it might cause weight gain too.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Imuran (azathioprine) is a medication used after kidney transplantation and also for rheumatoid arthritis. It's not a first choice medication because of many side effects. Your provider may also use Imuran (azathioprine) for other indications as well, although these are off-label (not FDA-approved) uses.

  • Indications of Entocort vs. Imuran

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate active Crohn's disease in people ages 8 years and older
    •Maintenance of remission of Crohn's disease in adults
    Indications for
    •To prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney
    •Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Pros and Cons of Entocort vs. Imuran

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works where you have symptoms in your intestines (gut)
    •Might cause fewer side effects than other steroids
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not recommended for long-term use
    •Might not work as well as other steroids like prednisone
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Can take a couple months to see full benefit from the medication
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Works well for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, although it's not commonly used unless other medications don't work
    •Lowers the pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis
    •Available in a generic form which is more affordable
    •Can be used in people who have had a kidney transplant and are planning to become pregnant
    Cons
    •Regular blood tests are required
    •Raises risk of getting an infection
    •Not a first choice medication because of many side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Entocort vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for

    Treatment of active, mild-to-moderate Crohn’s disease:

    •Headache (21%)
    •Infection in your air passageway (respiratory infection; 11%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Back pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (6%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Feeling tired (5%)
    •Pain (5%)

    Maintenance of remission of Crohn’s disease**:

    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Sinus inflammation (8%)
    •Viral infection (6%)
    •Joint pain (5%)

    ** Side effects listed are in addition to those observed with treatment of active Crohn's disease.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Leukopenia (lowering of white blood cells in the body)
    •Infections

  • Warnings of Entocort vs. Imuran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in stress hormone levels in the body
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cancer
    •Fewer Blood Cells
    •Greater Risk for Infections
    •Liver Damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Entocort vs. Imuran

    Learn more about Budesonide
    Learn more about Imuran

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