What Is Eohilia?

Eohilia is a prescription medication used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in patients 11 years of age and older. Its active ingredient is Budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the esophagus.

Eohilia was approved by the FDA in February 2024 and is made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It was the first oral medication specifically developed and approved for EoE — a condition where white blood cells called eosinophils build up in the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation, swallowing difficulties, and food impaction.

Before Eohilia, doctors treated EoE with off-label options like compounded budesonide slurries, swallowed fluticasone from inhalers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and dietary changes. While those approaches helped many patients, Eohilia provides a standardized, FDA-approved treatment option.

What Is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

EoE is a chronic allergic and immune condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus — the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Key facts about EoE:

• It affects an estimated 1 in 2,000 people in the United States
• It can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults
• It is closely linked to allergies, asthma, and eczema
• Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, chest pain, and heartburn
• Diagnosis requires an upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies showing elevated eosinophil levels

If left untreated, EoE can cause scarring and narrowing of the esophagus over time, making swallowing increasingly difficult.

How Does Eohilia Work?

Eohilia contains Budesonide, a corticosteroid that works by suppressing the immune response in the esophageal lining. Specifically, it reduces the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) that accumulate in the esophagus and cause inflammation.

The oral suspension is designed to be swallowed so it coats the esophagus directly. This topical approach delivers the medication where it's needed most, with less systemic absorption than oral corticosteroid pills.

For a deeper explanation, read our article on how Eohilia works.

How to Take Eohilia

Eohilia comes as an oral suspension in unit-dose packets of 2 mg/10 mL. Here's how to take it:

• Dose: 2 mg (one 10 mL packet) twice daily
• Duration: 12 weeks
• How to take it: Swallow the suspension. Do not inhale it.
• After taking: Do not eat, drink, or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes
• Avoid: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment

The 30-minute rule is important. It gives the medication time to coat and stay in contact with your esophageal lining. Eating or drinking too soon can wash the medication away and make it less effective.

What Does a 12-Week Course Look Like?

Here's what to expect during your Eohilia treatment:

• Weeks 1-2: You may not notice much change yet. The medication needs time to reduce inflammation.
• Weeks 3-6: Many patients start to notice improvement in swallowing and less food getting stuck.
• Weeks 7-12: Continued improvement. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up endoscopy near the end of treatment to check your progress.

Don't stop taking Eohilia early, even if you feel better. Completing the full course gives the best chance of reducing esophageal inflammation.

How Much Does Eohilia Cost?

Eohilia is expensive. Here's what you need to know about pricing:

• Cash price: Around $1,930 for a 30-day supply (60 unit-dose packets)
• Price range: $1,927 to $2,524 depending on the pharmacy
• Generic available: No. There is no generic version of Eohilia as of 2026.

Most patients don't pay the full cash price. Here are some ways to reduce your cost:

• Eohilia Copay Offer: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per 30-day supply, with a max annual benefit of $2,500.
• Head Start program: A one-time free 30-day supply for commercially insured patients while waiting for insurance approval.
• Takeda HELP at Hand: Patient assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements.
• Insurance: Most plans require prior authorization. Some require step therapy (trying other treatments first).

For a complete breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Eohilia.

Who Should Not Take Eohilia?

Eohilia should not be taken by anyone who has a hypersensitivity to Budesonide or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have liver problems (hepatic impairment can increase Budesonide levels)
• Have or have had tuberculosis
• Have a current infection
• Are taking any CYP3A4 inhibitors (see our drug interactions guide)

Side Effects of Eohilia

Like all medications, Eohilia can cause side effects. The most common include:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Oral and esophageal candidiasis (thrush)
• Headache
• Gastroenteritis
• Sore throat

Serious side effects are less common but include adrenal insufficiency, immunosuppression, and symptoms of hypercorticism. For a detailed breakdown, read our article on Eohilia side effects.

How Is Eohilia Different from Compounded Budesonide?

Before Eohilia, many EoE patients used a compounded budesonide slurry — Budesonide mixed with sucralose (Splenda) to create a thick liquid that coats the esophagus. While this worked for many patients, there are key differences:

• Eohilia is FDA-approved with standardized dosing and quality control. Compounded slurries vary by pharmacy.
• Eohilia's formulation is specifically designed to coat the esophagus. Compounded versions may not coat as consistently.
• Insurance coverage may be easier to obtain for an FDA-approved product, though prior authorization is still common.
• Cost may be different. Compounded budesonide can be less expensive, though prices vary widely.

Talk to your gastroenterologist about which option is best for your situation.

How to Get Eohilia

Eohilia is available only through specialty pharmacies. You cannot pick it up at a regular retail pharmacy. The typical process is:

1. Your gastroenterologist writes the prescription
2. The prescription is sent to a specialty pharmacy
3. Insurance prior authorization is submitted (1-2 weeks)
4. The pharmacy fills and ships your medication

To check pharmacy availability, use MedFinder or call Takeda's support line at 1-866-861-1482. You can also read our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Eohilia in stock.

The Bottom Line

Eohilia is the first FDA-approved oral treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis. It's a 12-week course of Budesonide oral suspension taken twice daily. While it's effective at reducing esophageal inflammation, it's expensive and requires specialty pharmacy distribution and insurance prior authorization.

The good news: savings programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost, and tools like MedFinder can help you find it in stock near you. Work closely with your gastroenterologist and don't hesitate to use every available resource.