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Overview: Eohilia is a medicine used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Eohilia belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It may work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the body’s immune response. Common side effects include headache, throat irritation, swelling in the esophagus, and increased risk of infections. Eohilia comes as a liquid that is taken by mouth.

Uses

What is Eohilia used for?

Eohilia (budesonide) is commonly used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is a condition that causes swelling in the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach). This swelling can narrow the esophagus and make it harder for you to swallow food.

Learn more about treating eosinophilic esophagitis with Eohilia.

Eohilia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of budesonide that are taken by mouth are available for treating other conditions. See Budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris) and Tarpeyo for more information.

How does Eohilia work (mechanism of action)?

Eohilia is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the esophagus that is caused by an overactive immune system.

How is Eohilia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Eohilia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2 mg/10 mL oral suspension in unit-dose packets

How should I store Eohilia?

Eohilia should be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures up to 86 F (30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Eohilia?

The most common side effects of Eohilia are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Fungal infection in your mouth, throat, and esophagus, also known as oral thrush (see below)
  • Headache
  • Stomach flu
  • Throat irritation
  • Reduced cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, also known as reduced adrenal function (see below)
  • Swelling in the esophagus that causes heartburn, chest pain, or trouble swallowing (see below)

There may be other side effects of Eohilia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Eohilia?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Eohilia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Eohilia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Eohilia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of Eohilia can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have liver problems. Adrenal insufficiency can worsen if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Infections. Eohilia can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Eohilia may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with prednisone, tell your health care provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.

Oral Thrush. Eohilia can cause a fungal infection in your mouth and throat, a condition known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis. To help prevent the risk of thrush, rinse your mouth with water and spit out the water (do not swallow it) after each dose of budesonide. Contact your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms of oral thrush. 

  • Cracking in the corners of the mouth
  • Loss of taste
  • Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
  • Raised white spots in the mouth or throat
  • Pain in the throat
  • Hoarseness

Erosive Esophagitis. Eohilia can cause new or worsening symptoms of erosive esophagitis, which happens when your stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. The acid from your stomach can cause damage to the esophagus when this happens. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Heartburn
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble swallowing

Slowed Growth. Eohilia may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the health care provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Eohilia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Eohilia.

  • Budesonide
  • Eohilia
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Eohilia.

What should I know about Eohilia before using it?

Do not take Eohilia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Eohilia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Eohilia out of the reach of children.

Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider to show you how to correctly use Eohilia. Follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your Eohilia when using it for the first time.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Eohilia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Eohilia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Planned surgery
  • Have not had or been vaccinated against chickenpox or measles, or if you have recently been around someone with chickenpox or measles
  • Any type of infection
  • Diabetes or have a family history of diabetes 
  • Eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts, or have a family history of glaucoma
  • High blood pressure
  • Weak bones, such as osteoporosis
  • Stomach ulcers

Other Medicines and Supplements. Eohilia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Eohilia, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Eohilia may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Eohilia while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Eohilia passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Eohilia. 

How can I get more information about Eohilia?

For more information about Eohilia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.eohilia.com or call them at 877-825-3327.

Interactions

Does Eohilia interact with foods or drinks?

Avoid taking Eohilia within 30 minutes after eating or drinking.

You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Eohilia. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can cause a dangerous increase in the blood levels of Eohilia.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Eohilia.

Does Eohilia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

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.

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Eohilia. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Eohilia. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Eohilia?

If you or someone else has used too much Eohilia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Eohilia?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.