Finding Uceris Shouldn't Be This Hard

When your doctor prescribes Uceris (Budesonide) for your ulcerative colitis, the last thing you expect is to spend days — or weeks — trying to find a pharmacy that actually has it. But that's the reality many patients face in 2026.

Whether you need the extended-release tablets or the rectal foam, Uceris availability can be unpredictable. Pharmacies run out. Distributors have allocation limits. And calling around is exhausting when you're already managing a chronic condition.

The good news? There are strategies that work. In this guide, we'll walk you through three proven tips to find Uceris in stock — plus what to do if none of them pan out.

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Stock

The fastest way to find Uceris near you is to use a real-time pharmacy stock checker like Medfinder.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to Medfinder.com
2. Search for "Uceris" or "Budesonide"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which nearby pharmacies currently have it in stock

This saves you the time and frustration of calling pharmacy after pharmacy. Medfinder pulls availability data so you can see at a glance where to go.

Pro tip: Check early in the day. Pharmacy stock updates often happen overnight or first thing in the morning, so searching between 8 and 10 AM gives you the freshest results.

Tip #2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

If the big chains — CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid — are out of stock, don't give up. Independent pharmacies often have an advantage when it comes to harder-to-find medications.

Here's why:

• More flexible ordering: Independent pharmacies can often work with multiple distributors and may have relationships that give them priority on limited-supply medications.
• Lower volume, steadier supply: Because they serve fewer patients, they're less likely to run through their entire allocation in a single day.
• Personalized service: Your independent pharmacist can often call the distributor directly and request a special order for you.

Specialty pharmacies are another great option, especially for the Uceris rectal foam. These pharmacies focus on medications for specific conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and are more likely to keep specialty products in stock.

Ask your gastroenterologist's office if they work with a preferred specialty pharmacy — they often do, and it can streamline the entire process.

Tip #3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Timing matters more than you might think when it comes to medication availability.

Refill Early

Most insurance plans allow you to refill a prescription when you're about 75% through your current supply (roughly a week before you run out on a 30-day prescription). Don't wait until your last dose. Start the refill process early so you have time to find stock if your usual pharmacy is out.

Avoid End-of-Month Rushes

Pharmacies tend to be busiest — and most likely to run out of medications — at the end of the month and beginning of the next month. This is when most patients refill their prescriptions. If you can time your refills for mid-month, you may have better luck.

Ask About Delivery Timelines

If your pharmacy says they can order Uceris but it's not currently on the shelf, ask when the next delivery is expected. Many pharmacies receive shipments 3-5 times per week. Sometimes waiting a day or two is all it takes.

What If You Still Can't Find Uceris?

If you've tried all three tips and still can't locate Uceris, here are some additional options:

Ask Your Doctor About the Generic

Generic Budesonide extended-release tablets are available and often easier to find than brand-name Uceris. They contain the same active ingredient at the same dose. The cash price for generics typically ranges from $300 to $600 for a 30-day supply, compared to $1,200 to $1,800 for brand-name tablets.

If you're currently on the rectal foam, your doctor may be able to switch you to the oral tablet form depending on where your UC inflammation is located.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacy

Your insurance plan's mail-order pharmacy may have better access to Uceris than local retail pharmacies. Mail-order pharmacies typically ship a 90-day supply directly to your home, and they often source from larger distribution networks. Check with your insurance to see if this is an option.

Explore Alternatives

If Uceris remains unavailable, your doctor may recommend an alternative medication. Common options include:

• Mesalamine (Lialda, Apriso, Pentasa, Canasa) — a 5-ASA agent that's the first-line treatment for mild to moderate UC
• Hydrocortisone rectal foam (Cortifoam) — another topical corticosteroid for distal UC
• Prednisone — a systemic corticosteroid used short-term for UC flares

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on alternatives to Uceris.

Use Manufacturer Resources

Bausch Health, the maker of Uceris, offers a savings card that can bring your copay down to as low as $30 if you have commercial insurance. They also have a patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured patients. For more details, check our post on how to save money on Uceris.

How to Stay Ahead of Future Shortages

Living with ulcerative colitis means planning ahead. Here are a few habits that can help you avoid running into stock issues again:

• Set refill reminders at least 7-10 days before you run out
• Keep your prior authorization current — these often expire annually and can cause delays if they lapse
• Build a relationship with your pharmacist — they can sometimes hold stock for regular patients or give you a heads-up when supply is expected
• Save Medfinder as a bookmark so you can quickly check availability whenever you need to

Final Thoughts

Finding Uceris shouldn't require a full-time effort, but in today's environment, being proactive makes all the difference. Use real-time tools, explore different pharmacy types, time your refills wisely, and always have a backup plan in place.

Your ulcerative colitis treatment shouldn't be interrupted just because of supply chain issues. With the right approach, you can stay on track — and stay in remission.

Start your search now at Medfinder.com.