Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition that affects the esophagus — the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain triggers, like allergens or food. This causes a buildup of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils in the esophagus, leading to inflammation. The inflammation causes the esophagus to become narrow, making it hard to swallow.
Symptoms of EoE include the following.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus
- Chest pain or heartburn
- Vomiting or stomach pain, especially in children
If not treated, the inflammation can cause the esophagus to narrow further and develop scars, making symptoms worse over time.
How Does Eohilia Treat EoE?
Eohilia (budesonide) treats EoE by reducing inflammation in the esophagus. It is a liquid form of budesonide, a corticosteroid specifically designed to target the esophagus. Budesonide works by lowering the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) that cause inflammation.
When taken, Eohilia coats the esophagus, helping to calm the immune response and reduce swelling. This can improve symptoms like difficulty swallowing and prevent further damage to the esophagus.
How Is Eohilia Used?
Eohilia is a liquid medication that is taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks. You should take Eohilia once in the morning and once in the evening. It comes as premixed stick packs.
Here's how to use it:
- Prepare the dose: Shake the single-use stick pack for at least 10 seconds to make the liquid flow better.
- Take the medication: Open the stick pack and squeeze all the liquid directly into your mouth. Swallow all the medication.
- Rinse your mouth: After 30 minutes, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to help prevent side effects like oral thrush.
After you take Eohilia, do not eat or drink for 30 minutes to allow the medication to coat your esophagus.
Do not drink grapefruit juice during treatment, as it can interfere with how the Eohilia works.
Refer to the Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions with illustrations. The instructions can also be found here: https://content.takeda.com/?contenttype=IFU&product=EOH&language=ENG&country=USA&documentnumber=1.
Do not stop taking Eohilia without talking to your health care provider first.
How Was Eohilia Studied for the Treatment of EoE?
Eohilia was studied in two clinical trials involving people aged 11 and older who have EoE. Participants were randomly given either Eohilia twice daily or a placebo (containing no medicine) for 12 weeks. The studies measured how much swallowing problems improved after taking Eohilia. The studies also measured how much Eohilia reduced inflammation in the esophagus caused by eosinophils.
The results of both studies showed that people who took Eohilia for 12 weeks had greater improvement in swallowing difficulties than those who took a placebo. In one study, people who took Eohilia improved by 10.2 points on a swallowing symptom questionnaire, compared to 6.5 points for those who took placebo. In the second, smaller study, people who took Eohilia improved by 14.5 points, while those who took placebo improved by only 5.9 points.
Both studies also showed that Eohilia reduced eosinophil counts in the esophagus more effectively than placebo. In the first study, 53% of people who took Eohilia had low eosinophil counts after treatment, compared to just 1% of those who took placebo. In the second study, 38% of people who took Eohilia had low eosinophil counts, compared to only 2.4% of those who took placebo.
Your results may differ from what was seen in clinical studies.
How Strong Is the Evidence for Eohilia?
Based on current clinical studies, Eohilia is safe and effective for people with EoE. Clinical guidelines recommend certain corticosteroids you take by mouth, including budesonide, for people with EoE.
How Long Until I See the Full Effects of Eohilia?
It can take several weeks to see the full effects of Eohilia. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns about whether Eohilia is working.
What Types of Drug Interactions Can Happen?
Several medications can interact with Eohilia. This can decrease how well Eohilia works or increase your risk of side effects. Some medicines that block an enzyme in your body called CYP3A4 should not be taken with Eohilia. Ask your health care provider if you are taking one of these medicines.
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or have recently taken. This will help make sure your medicines work well together.
How Do I Know If Eohilia Is Working?
You can tell if Eohilia is helping by tracking any problems you have swallowing food or liquid. Your doctor may ask you to record your symptoms to see if they improve after starting Eohilia. It may take a few weeks to notice changes.
Is There Any Cost Assistance Available?
Yes. There is a cost savings and support program offered by the manufacturer that may allow you to pay $0 for your prescription. Whether you are eligible depends on whether you have prescription insurance and what type of insurance you have. You can find out more at www.eohilia.com/copay-savings.
