Uceris is a brand-name drug prescribed for ulcerative colitis. It comes as a 2-milligram (mg) rectal foam and a 9-mg extended-release oral tablet. Uceris belongs to the corticosteroid drug class.
Uceris is FDA approved to induce remission for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. The foam is specifically used for UC that affects an area of the distal colon (the last part of the colon that connects to the rectum).
Uceris is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient budesonide. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.
The generic version is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
If you’re interested in trying the generic form of Uceris, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths suitable for your condition.
Uceris can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur during treatment with Uceris. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Uceris, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Uceris and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Mild side effects
The following lists highlight some mild side effects of Uceris. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the prescribing information for Uceris rectal foam or Uceris oral tablet.
Mild side effects of Uceris rectal foam can include:
- temporary decrease in the level of cortisol in the blood
- nausea
- mild allergic reaction
Mild side effects of Uceris oral tablet can include:
- headache
- nausea
- temporary decrease in the level of cortisol in the blood
- pain in the upper abdomen
- fatigue
- flatulence (gas)
- bloating
- acne
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- joint pain
- constipation
- mild allergic reaction
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Uceris aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- reduced appetite
- Risk of infection or worsening of an existing infection. Symptoms vary, but can include:
- cough
- Depression. Symptoms can include:
- persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- lack of motivation
- sleeping too much or too little
- changes in appetite
- Kaposi sarcoma. Symptoms can include:
- skin lesions that may be red, brown, or purple
- trouble breathing
- blood in your stool
- Severe allergic reaction.
ALLERGIC REACTIONAs with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction to Uceris. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Uceris rectal foam or Uceris oral tablet, but has occurred since the drug was approved.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Uceris, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Your Uceris dosage will depend on the form of Uceris your doctor prescribes.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug forms and strengths
Uceris comes in the following forms and strengths:
- extended-release* oral tablets, which come in one strength: 9 milligrams (mg)
- rectal foam, which comes in one strength: 2 mg
* Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time.
Dosage for ulcerative colitis
The recommended dosage of Uceris oral tablets for ulcerative colitis (UC) is 9 mg taken once per day for up to 8 weeks.
The recommended dose of Uceris rectal foam for UC is 2 mg. You’ll administer this dose rectally twice per day for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then you’ll administer 2 mg rectally once per day for the next 4 weeks.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Uceris, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. If you aren’t sure what to do after a missed dose, contact your doctor.
Will I need treatment with this drug long term?
Uceris is meant to be a short-term treatment. Depending on the form of the drug your doctor prescribes, you’ll likely take or administer it for 6 or 8 weeks.
Overdose
Do not take or administer more Uceris than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take or administer too much Uceris
If you think you’ve taken or administered too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Other drugs that can treat ulcerative colitis (UC) are available. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Uceris, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Examples of other prescription drugs that may help treat mild to moderate UC include:
- mesalamine, which may be taken orally (Apriso, Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa) or rectally (Canasa, Rowasa)
- budesonide (Entocort EC, Ortikos)
- balsalazide (Colazal)
- olsalazine (Dipentum)
- hydrocortisone rectal foam (Cortifoam)
Note: Some of the drugs listed here are prescribed off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
As with all medications, the price of Uceris can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Comparing pharmacies: The price of Uceris may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost. Uceris may be available through a mail-order pharmacy, which may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.
Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
Generic version: Uceris is available in a generic form called budesonide. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of budesonide compares with the cost of Uceris, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Uceris to treat certain conditions. Uceris may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Uceris for ulcerative colitis
Uceris oral tablet is FDA approved to induce remission for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults.
Uceris rectal foam is FDA approved to induce remission for mild to moderate distal UC in adults. This form of UC affects a specific area of the distal colon (the last part of the colon that connects to the rectum).
During a flare, symptoms of UC occur. Uceris is prescribed to induce remission (make the symptoms stop or become less bothersome). Remission refers to a period of time when you have few to no symptoms.
Uceris is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment.
UC explained
UC is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. The condition involves periods of flares (times when symptoms occur).
Symptoms of UC may include:
- bloody diarrhea
- pain and cramping in your abdomen
- fatigue
- weight loss
- decreased appetite
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
You can learn more about this condition by visiting our inflammatory bowel disease hub.
Effectiveness for UC
Uceris has been found to be effective in treating UC. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends budesonide, the active ingredient in Uceris rectal foam and Uceris oral tablet, as a treatment option. The AGA has included the drug in treatment guidelines for mild to moderate UC.
For information on how the drug performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Uceris rectal foam and Uceris oral tablet.
Uceris and children
It’s not known whether Uceris is safe to treat UC in children. The drug is only approved for UC in adults.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Uceris.
Is Uceris similar to prednisone?
Yes, in some ways. Uceris and prednisone both belong to the same drug class, called corticosteroids. They work in a similar way to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the body.
Uceris and prednisone are both available as an oral tablet. Uceris is also available as a rectal foam.
Uceris is a treatment specifically prescribed for ulcerative colitis (UC). In contrast, prednisone is prescribed for a wide variety of conditions that cause inflammation anywhere in the body. For example, prednisone may be prescribed to treat airway inflammation (such as asthma) or skin inflammation (such as poison ivy). Sometimes, doctors may prescribe prednisone short term to manage UC symptoms during flare-ups.
If you have questions about Uceris and prednisone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Uceris an immunosuppressant?
Yes. Uceris is a corticosteroid, which is a type of immunosuppressant. This refers to medication that reduces immune system activity, also known as weakening the immune system.
Reducing certain immune system activity can help reduce inflammation and UC symptoms. However, it also increases your risk of getting infections, some of which can be serious. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor. They can recommend ways to lower your infection risk while you use Uceris.
Does Uceris cause long-term side effects?
Uceris should not cause long-term side effects. This is because Uceris is a short-term treatment that you’ll likely take or administer for 6 or 8 weeks.
As with other corticosteroid drugs, taking or administering Uceris for a long time can raise the risk of certain side effects. Examples include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and hypercorticism (having too much cortisol in your blood).
Symptoms of hypercorticism may include:
- a hump forming between your shoulders
- acne breakouts
- bruising easily
- increased hair growth on your body and face
- rounding of your face (also known as moon face)
- stretch marks on the skin of your abdomen, thighs, arms, or chest
- swelling of your ankles
- decreased bone density
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your risk of long-term side effects with Uceris.
Is Uceris safe for older adults?
Yes, since Uceris is a short-term treatment prescribed to induce remission, it’s safe for most older adults. (Older adults typically refers to people ages 65 years and older.) However, experts do not recommend long-term maintenance use of corticosteroid drugs for UC in older adults.
In general, older adults may be at higher risk of drug side effects. For example, Uceris reduces immune system activity. This increases the risk of infection, such as pneumonia or shingles. And older adults may already have a weakened immune system due to older age or other medical conditions.
If you’re an older adult, your doctor will monitor you closely during Uceris treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a possible infection, such as a fever.
If you have questions about Uceris for older adults, talk with your doctor.
Uceris is a corticosteroid drug. It’s prescribed to induce remission (make symptoms ease or stop) for ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It works by decreasing inflammation (swelling) in the intestines.
Uceris oral tablet helps treat mild to moderate UC. Uceris rectal foam is specifically prescribed to treat mild to moderate distal UC. Distal UC affects a specific area of the distal colon (the last part of the colon that connects to the rectum). Since Uceris foam is applied rectally, the foam doesn’t reach the entire colon.
How long does it take to work?
Uceris starts working soon after your first dose. In clinical trials, Uceris rectal foam typically worked within 6 weeks to induce UC remission (stop or reduce symptoms of UC). And Uceris oral tablet worked within 8 weeks to induce remission in clinical trials.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect from Uceris treatment.
There are no known interactions between Uceris and alcohol.
However, consuming alcohol may worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). Since Uceris is prescribed to treat UC, it may be best to avoid alcohol during treatment with the drug.
If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Uceris treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following table shows medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Uceris. This table does not contain all possible interactions with Uceris. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting Uceris, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
| Medications that can interact with Uceris foam and tablets | • certain antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Sporanox) • certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin (Eryc, Ery-Tab, others) • antiviral drugs, such as ritonavir (Norvir) |
| Medications that can interact with Uceris tablets only | drugs that reduce stomach acid, such as: • proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) • H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid) • antacids, such as Maalox or Tums |
| Herbs and supplements that can interact with Uceris | St. John’s wort |
| Foods that can interact with Uceris | grapefruit |
Your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take or administer Uceris while you’re pregnant.
Based on animal trials, Uceris rectal foam or Uceris oral tablet may cause fetal harm. But it’s important to note that animal trials don’t always predict what happens with humans.
There are also reports of preterm (early) delivery and low birth weight of infants born to people who received budesonide (the active ingredient in Uceris) during pregnancy.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about UC treatment options during pregnancy.
Uceris may not be safe to take or administer during pregnancy. If you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs during treatment with Uceris.
For more information about Uceris treatment during pregnancy, see the “Uceris and pregnancy” section.
It’s not known whether Uceris is safe to use while breastfeeding. No clinical trials have examined the drug’s possible effects on breast milk or children who are breastfed.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options during this time. They may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child.
You should take or administer Uceris according to your doctor’s instructions.
You’ll swallow Uceris tablets whole.
You administer Uceris rectal foam by inserting the drug into the rectum. It comes in a canister with single-use applicators, each delivering one dose. The applicators come already coated in lubricant, but you can use petrolatum (Vaseline) if you’d prefer extra lubrication. Uceris rectal foam comes with a detailed instruction guide.
When to take
When you’ll take or administer Uceris depends on the form of the drug your doctor prescribes.
You should take Uceris oral tablet in the morning. You’ll swallow the tablet whole with water.
With Uceris rectal foam, you’ll use one applicator in the morning and one in the evening for the first 2 weeks of treatment. Then you’ll use one applicator in the evening for the next 4 weeks.
If possible, it’s best to have a bowel movement before you insert your dose. Moving your bowels after you insert your dose will cause some of the drug to be lost. This can make Uceris rectal foam less effective.
Taking Uceris tablets with food
You can take Uceris oral tablet with or without food.
Can Uceris tablets be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, you should not crush, split, or chew Uceris tablets. Instead, you should swallow them whole.
This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.
Before starting Uceris, talk with your doctor about your health history. Uceris may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- history of allergic reaction to Uceris or any of its ingredients
- history of cancer, such as Kaposi sarcoma
- glaucoma or cataracts
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- any current infections you have, including bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections
- history of serious infections, such as tuberculosis
- recent exposure to infections, such as chickenpox or measles
- liver problems, such as cirrhosis
- osteoporosis or low bone mineral density
- any upcoming surgeries
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
For more information about the potential negative effects of Uceris, see the “Uceris side effects” section.
Note: If your doctor prescribes Uceris, they may have you stop taking a corticosteroid drug for allergies or eczema (atopic dermatitis). This switch can cause your allergy or eczema symptoms to return or worsen. Talk with your doctor if you experience worsening or bothersome symptoms of an allergy-related condition during Uceris treatment.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
