Rafacol LS Tablet CR

Rafacol LS Tablet CR is an oral delayed-release tablet containing budesonide, a corticosteroid medicine used to reduce inflammation in the gut. Each Rafacol LS Tablet CR tablet contains budesonide as labelled, and it is prescribed for selected gastro-intestinal conditions where local anti-inflammatory treatment is needed. It is a prescription-only medicine made by Saffron Therapeutics and supplied in a strip/box of 10 tablets. Doctors may choose Rafacol LS Tablet CR when a tablet form is preferred for steady release and targeted intestinal action.

How it works: Budesonide works by calming down inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, which can help ease symptoms such as pain, loose stools, and urgency. In Rafacol LS Tablet CR, the tablet is made to release the medicine gradually so it acts along the gut over time.

Rafacol LS Tablet CR is a specific tablet strength and is not meant to be used like a lower-dose starter option. Because it is a controlled-release tablet, it is designed to release budesonide over time rather than act like an immediate-release tablet, so a doctor may choose it for patients who need a sustained effect and can swallow tablets safely. There are no other strengths or forms of this brand listed here, so this product should be used exactly as prescribed for the diagnosis and schedule your clinician selects.

• Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
• Ulcerative colitis-related inflammation
• Crohn’s disease-related inflammation
• Other doctor-directed inflammatory bowel conditions

• Swallow the Rafacol LS Tablet CR tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
• Take it at the same time each day if you have been prescribed regular dosing.
• You can usually take it with or without food unless your prescriber gives different instructions.
• Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to.
• Follow the exact schedule on your prescription because controlled-release tablets are meant to release medicine slowly.
• If swallowing tablets is difficult, ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking this product rather than altering the tablet.

Rafacol LS Tablet CR provides budesonide as labelled in each tablet, and the exact number of tablets per dose depends on your doctor’s prescription. It may be taken once daily or in divided doses depending on the condition being treated, but the maximum daily amount must be set by your prescriber because this is a prescription corticosteroid tablet. Do not change the dose on your own, especially with a controlled-release budesonide tablet.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Budesonide may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Gas or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Increased appetite or trouble sleeping (can be more noticeable at higher prescribed doses)

• Use only if your doctor has confirmed this controlled-release budesonide tablet is appropriate for your condition.
• Tell your clinician if you have liver disease, because budesonide levels can rise and side effects may be more likely.
• Use caution if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, glaucoma, or cataracts, since corticosteroids can worsen these conditions.
• Do not stop taking Rafacol LS Tablet CR suddenly unless your prescriber tells you to; steroids sometimes need to be tapered.
• Avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox, measles, or other contagious infections while using a corticosteroid.
• Tell your doctor about any recent vaccines, planned surgery, or serious infection before starting.
• Alcohol may worsen stomach upset or other gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients.

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir can raise budesonide levels.
• Other corticosteroids taken by mouth, inhalation, injection, or skin can increase steroid side effects.
• Live vaccines may be less suitable or require special timing while taking budesonide.
• Blood thinners, NSAIDs, and aspirin may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or irritation in some patients.
• Certain grapefruit products may affect how budesonide is broken down and can increase exposure.

Store Rafacol LS Tablet CR tablets in the original strip/box at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep them out of reach of children.