Your Patients Can't Find Uceris — Here's How to Help

You've prescribed Budesonide ER for a patient with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Two days later, they call your office: their pharmacy doesn't have it. They've tried two other pharmacies. Same story.

This scenario has become frustratingly common. While the overall Uceris supply picture has improved since the worst shortages of 2022-2023, patients still regularly encounter difficulty filling Budesonide ER prescriptions — particularly in certain regions and for certain formulations.

This guide provides practical, actionable steps your practice can take to minimize treatment interruptions for your UC patients.

Current Availability: Where Things Stand

As of early 2026, the availability landscape for Budesonide ER breaks down as follows:

• Generic Budesonide ER 9 mg tablets: Reasonably available in most markets. Multiple generic manufacturers (including Teva) are active. This is the most reliably available option.
• Brand Uceris tablets: Available but less commonly stocked by pharmacies due to high cost ($1,400-$2,330 per 30 tablets). Many pharmacies require special ordering.
• Uceris rectal foam (2 mg): Continues to experience intermittent supply constraints. Listed intermittently on the FDA shortage list.

For the latest shortage status, check the FDA Drug Shortage Database and ASHP Drug Shortage Resource Center.

For a complete overview of the shortage timeline and market dynamics, see our companion article: Uceris Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026.

Why Patients Can't Find It

Understanding the root causes helps you advise patients more effectively:

1. Pharmacy stocking decisions: Many retail pharmacies don't routinely stock Budesonide ER due to its relatively low prescription volume and high per-unit cost. They order it on demand, which adds 1-3 business days.
2. Regional distribution imbalances: Supply isn't evenly distributed. Urban areas typically have better access than rural markets.
3. Insurance delays: Prior authorization and step therapy requirements mean patients may arrive at the pharmacy before their coverage is confirmed, leading to sticker shock at the cash price and prescription abandonment.
4. Brand vs. generic confusion: Patients searching specifically for "Uceris" may not realize that generic Budesonide ER is the same medication at a fraction of the cost and with better availability.

5 Steps Providers Can Take

Step 1: Prescribe for Generic Substitution

The single most impactful thing you can do is ensure your prescription allows generic substitution. Generic Budesonide ER 9 mg is AB-rated and therapeutically equivalent to brand Uceris.

• Do not write "DAW" (dispense as written) unless there is a documented clinical reason
• Consider writing the prescription as "Budesonide ER 9 mg" rather than "Uceris" to make the generic option explicit
• Inform the patient verbally that the generic is the same medication

Step 2: Submit Prior Authorization Proactively

Don't wait for the pharmacy rejection to trigger prior authorization. Most payers require:

• Documented diagnosis of active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis
• Documentation of a failed trial of at least one 5-ASA medication (step therapy requirement)

Submit the PA at the time of prescribing. Many practices now use electronic PA platforms (CoverMyMeds, Surescripts) that can reduce turnaround to 24-48 hours.

Step 3: Direct Patients to Availability Tools

Equip your patients with resources to find the medication on their own:

• Medfinder for Providers — Use this in-office to identify pharmacies with current stock before sending the prescription
• Medfinder — Direct patients here to search availability by zip code
• Recommend that patients call ahead before driving to a pharmacy

Consider printing a brief handout or including a link in your patient portal: How to Find Uceris in Stock Near You.

Step 4: Send Prescriptions to Pharmacies with Confirmed Stock

Rather than sending the prescription to the patient's default pharmacy and hoping for the best, take an extra minute to:

1. Check Medfinder for pharmacies with current Budesonide ER stock near the patient
2. Discuss the options with the patient
3. Send the e-prescription to a pharmacy that has it in stock

This proactive approach prevents the frustrating cycle of pharmacy transfers and delays.

Step 5: Discuss Cost and Savings Up Front

Many patients abandon their prescriptions due to cost. Brief the patient on pricing and available savings before they leave your office:

• Generic price with discount card: As low as $194 for 30 tablets (GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Manufacturer savings card: Copay as low as $30 for commercially insured patients (Bausch Health/Salix)
• Patient assistance: Free medication for eligible uninsured patients (bauschhealthpap.com)
• Mail-order: Often lower copays and more reliable supply for 90-day fills

For a comprehensive patient resource, share: How to Save Money on Uceris in 2026.

Alternative Prescribing When Budesonide ER Is Unavailable

When a patient truly cannot access Budesonide ER despite best efforts, consider these alternatives based on clinical context:

• Mesalamine (Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa, Apriso): First-line for mild to moderate UC. Widely available. Suitable for both induction and maintenance. Consider if the patient hasn't had an adequate 5-ASA trial.
• Prednisone (short course with taper): For patients with active symptoms who need rapid control while waiting for Budesonide supply. Universally available, inexpensive ($4-$10). More systemic side effects — use as a bridge, not long-term.
• Sulfasalazine: Older 5-ASA with proven efficacy. Very affordable ($10-$30/month). More side effects than newer Mesalamine. Contraindicated with sulfa allergy.
• Biologic escalation: For patients who have failed or cannot access conventional therapy, consider step-up to biologics per current AGA guidelines.

For a patient-facing resource on alternatives: Alternatives to Uceris.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Integrating shortage management into your clinical workflow can reduce the burden on both your team and your patients:

• Flag Budesonide ER in your EHR with a reminder to check availability before prescribing
• Bookmark Medfinder for Providers on clinical workstations for quick access
• Create a Budesonide ER patient handout with availability tools, savings programs, and your office contact for PA issues
• Train front desk and nursing staff on the common patient call: "My pharmacy can't fill my Uceris." Equip them with a standard response and escalation path.
• Consider auto-PA submission for all new Budesonide ER prescriptions to eliminate delays
• Document step therapy compliance in the chart proactively — this reduces PA denials and appeals

Final Thoughts

The Uceris supply situation has improved, but your patients still need your help navigating the gaps. By prescribing generics, submitting PAs proactively, directing patients to tools like Medfinder, and having alternative plans ready, you can significantly reduce the number of patients who experience treatment interruptions.

The goal is simple: ensure your UC patients get their medication — whether it's Budesonide ER, an alternative, or a bridge therapy — without unnecessary delays.

For additional provider resources, see our guide on how to help patients save money on Uceris.