Uceris: A Complete Guide for Patients

If your doctor recently prescribed Uceris, you probably have questions. What does it do? How do you take it? What should you watch out for? This guide covers everything you need to know about Uceris in plain, easy-to-understand language.

What Is Uceris?

Uceris is the brand name for Budesonide extended-release (ER) tablets. It belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids — anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling, irritation, and immune system overactivity.

Unlike systemic steroids such as Prednisone that affect your entire body, Uceris is designed to work locally in the colon. The extended-release tablet delivers the medication directly to the inflamed tissue in your large intestine, which helps reduce side effects compared to traditional steroids.

Uceris is manufactured by Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health US, LLC. A generic version (Budesonide ER) is also available.

What Does Uceris Treat?

Uceris is FDA-approved for one specific use:

• Induction of remission in adults with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, urgency, and fatigue.

Uceris helps calm the inflammation during an active flare, working to bring your symptoms under control and push your UC into remission.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors may prescribe Budesonide for conditions beyond its FDA-approved use, including:

• Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis (off-label)
• Microscopic colitis (collagenous and lymphocytic colitis)

If your doctor prescribes Uceris for an off-label use, they've determined that the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific situation.

How Does Uceris Work?

Budesonide is a synthetic corticosteroid with strong local anti-inflammatory effects. When you take a Uceris tablet, the extended-release formulation delivers the medication to the colon, where it reduces the inflammatory response that causes your UC symptoms.

What makes Uceris special is its high first-pass metabolism. This means that after the drug works locally in your colon, most of it is broken down by the liver before it can circulate through the rest of your body. The result: effective inflammation control in the colon with fewer body-wide side effects.

For a deeper dive into the science, read our article on how Uceris works: mechanism of action explained.

Dosage and How to Take Uceris

Standard Dosage

• Dose: One 9 mg extended-release tablet
• Frequency: Once daily
• Duration: Up to 8 weeks
• When: Take in the morning, with or without food

Important Instructions

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. The extended-release coating is designed to deliver medication to the right part of your intestine.
• Take it at the same time every day. Consistency helps maintain steady medication levels.
• Don't stop abruptly. If your doctor wants you to stop Uceris, they'll typically taper the dose gradually to avoid adrenal insufficiency.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next one at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Available Forms

Uceris comes in two formulations:

• Extended-release oral tablet (9 mg) — The primary form discussed in this guide, used for ulcerative colitis
• Rectal foam (2 mg per actuation) — Applied rectally, sometimes used for UC affecting the lower portion of the colon

Your doctor will determine which formulation is best for your situation based on where the inflammation is located in your colon.

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, Uceris can cause side effects. The most commonly reported ones include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Decreased blood cortisol levels
• Upper abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Gas and bloating
• Acne
• Urinary tract infection
• Joint pain
• Constipation

Most of these are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts. For a comprehensive guide on what to watch for, read our article on Uceris side effects: what to expect and when to call your doctor.

Serious Warnings

Uceris does not carry a boxed warning, but there are important safety considerations:

• Immunosuppression — Uceris can weaken your immune system, increasing your risk of infections. Avoid people with chickenpox or measles if you haven't been vaccinated.
• Adrenal suppression — Your body may produce less cortisol while on Uceris. Don't stop the medication abruptly.
• Bone health — Prolonged corticosteroid use can reduce bone density. Discuss bone health monitoring with your doctor if you need extended treatment.
• Eye problems — Long-term use can increase risk of glaucoma and cataracts.

Who Should Not Take Uceris?

Uceris is not recommended for:

• Anyone with a known allergy to Budesonide or any ingredients in the formulation
• Pregnant women unless benefits clearly outweigh risks (Pregnancy Category C)
• Nursing mothers — consult your doctor about risks vs. benefits

Use with caution if you have:

• Liver disease (Budesonide is metabolized by the liver)
• Active infections
• History of osteoporosis or bone loss
• Diabetes (corticosteroids can affect blood sugar levels)

Drug Interactions

Uceris can interact with certain medications and foods. The most important interactions include:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors — Medications like Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin, and others can significantly increase Budesonide levels in your blood, raising the risk of side effects
• Grapefruit juice — Avoid grapefruit during treatment as it can increase Budesonide absorption

Always tell your doctor about every medication, supplement, and herbal product you take. For a detailed guide, see Uceris drug interactions: what to avoid.

Cost and Insurance

Uceris is an expensive medication, but there are ways to make it more affordable:

• Brand Uceris: $1,400 to $2,330 for 30 tablets
• Generic Budesonide ER: $150 to $630, with discount cards bringing prices as low as $194
• Insurance: Most plans cover the generic, though prior authorization and step therapy may be required
• Manufacturer savings card: Bausch Health offers copays as low as $30 for commercially insured patients
• Patient assistance: Bausch Health PAP provides free medication for qualifying uninsured patients (1-855-770-0424)

Get the full breakdown in our savings guide: how to save money on Uceris.

Finding Uceris

Availability of Uceris has been inconsistent in some areas. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, use Medfinder to check stock at pharmacies near you, or read our detailed guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Uceris in stock.

Alternatives to Uceris

If Uceris isn't right for you or you can't find it, alternatives for ulcerative colitis include:

• Mesalamine (Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa, Apriso) — First-line 5-ASA anti-inflammatory for mild to moderate UC
• Prednisone — Systemic corticosteroid for more severe flares
• Entocort EC — Another Budesonide formulation designed for Crohn's disease
• Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) — Older 5-ASA medication

For a complete comparison, see alternatives to Uceris if you can't fill your prescription.

Final Thoughts

Uceris is an effective, targeted treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis that offers meaningful advantages over traditional systemic steroids. By understanding how to take it properly, what side effects to expect, and how to navigate cost and availability challenges, you can get the most out of your treatment.

If you haven't found a doctor to prescribe Uceris yet, our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Uceris near you is a great starting point.