Uceris® Rectal Foam for Ulcerative Colitis

Budesonide rectal foam is a local corticosteroid used for distal ulcerative colitis in adults. This page explains how the treatment works, safe use, and ways to access it. If you are paying without insurance, you can compare options with US delivery from Canada.

What Uceris Is and How It Works

Gastrointestinal inflammation near the rectum and sigmoid colon can be difficult to control with oral therapy alone. Uceris® rectal foam delivers budesonide directly to the affected area, where it may reduce inflammatory activity. The foam spreads over the mucosa and provides topical glucocorticoid effects with relatively low systemic exposure compared to many oral steroids.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Budesonide, the active ingredient, binds glucocorticoid receptors and helps decrease cytokine signaling. This action can ease rectal bleeding, urgency, and tenesmus that accompany distal disease. The treatment is used for induction in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis limited to the rectum and adjacent sigmoid segment. It is not a replacement for maintenance therapy unless your prescriber directs otherwise.

Who It’s For

This medicine is intended for adults with mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, including proctitis and proctosigmoiditis. It can be considered when symptoms are predominantly in the rectal area or when a rectal therapy is preferred alongside or instead of oral options. See our overview of Ulcerative Colitis for broader context.

People with severe colitis, suspected perforation, toxic megacolon, or systemic infections should avoid local steroid therapy unless a clinician specifically recommends it. Those with untreated fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, active tuberculosis, or ocular herpes require caution. Tell your prescriber about glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, or adrenal disorders before starting.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the official label and your prescriber’s directions. A commonly used induction schedule starts with two actuations inserted rectally twice daily for two weeks, followed by two actuations once nightly for four additional weeks. The canister includes applicators designed for rectal use. Read the patient instructions that come with the device before the first dose.

General administration tips:

• Preparation: Use the supplied applicator; wash hands before and after.
• Positioning: Lying on your side may improve comfort and retention.
• Actuation: Prime if needed per label, then insert and deliver the foam slowly.
• Retention: Try to retain the dose for as long as practical, ideally overnight for bedtime doses.
• Missed doses: See guidance below; do not double up unless a clinician instructs you.

Do not abruptly stop prescribed steroids without medical guidance due to potential adrenal effects. If you use other rectal therapies, separate timing and follow professional instructions to avoid displacement of the foam.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a metered rectal foam. A commonly available presentation is Uceris Rectal Foam 2 mg per actuation. Packaging typically includes a pressurized canister and disposable applicators. Availability may vary by market and over time.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, use it when you remember the same day. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular timing. Do not administer extra actuations to compensate. Keeping a routine, using reminders, and aligning bedtime doses with your personal schedule can improve consistency.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep the canister at room temperature away from heat, open flame, and direct sunlight. Because it is pressurized, do not puncture or incinerate the container. Store out of reach of children and pets. Keep the cap on, and do not expose to excessive moisture in bathrooms for long periods.

When traveling, pack the medication in a protective case to prevent damage. Bring only the applicators you need and a spare. Carry a copy of your prescription and a summary of your dosing schedule to simplify security checks and refills if required. If flying, place the canister in your carry-on; avoid leaving it in hot cars. For any special handling needs, our team supports temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

No pen or needle handling is required for this foam. Dispose of used applicators according to the instructions in the package insert or local guidance. Household trash is acceptable in many regions; if your municipality requires special disposal, follow those rules.

Benefits

Topical corticosteroid therapy can provide targeted relief in distal disease. Delivering medicine to the site of inflammation may improve rectal bleeding, urgency, and discomfort. The foam format can be easier for some people to retain compared with liquid enemas, especially when symptoms are limited to the rectum or nearby sigmoid colon. Because systemic absorption is generally lower than with many oral steroids, the risk of certain whole‑body effects may be reduced, though not eliminated.

Side Effects and Safety

Like all corticosteroids, this treatment can cause side effects. Common effects are often mild and may lessen as the course continues.

• Headache or dizziness
• Rectal discomfort or irritation
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Gas or bloating
• Fatigue or sleep changes
• Increased appetite
• Skin acne or bruising

Serious risks are uncommon but can occur. Systemic steroid effects such as adrenal suppression, Cushing‑like features, mood changes, elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, glaucoma, cataracts, and slowed wound healing are possible. Steroids can mask or worsen infections, including fungal or viral illnesses. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, persistent rectal bleeding, signs of infection, vision changes, or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency such as severe fatigue and low blood pressure.

If you also take insulin or sulfonylureas, monitor for low or high blood sugar, as steroids can affect glucose control. Report any concerning changes to a healthcare professional promptly.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Budesonide is metabolized by CYP3A4. Strong inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, and some HIV protease inhibitors can increase exposure. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during therapy unless your prescriber advises otherwise. Discuss all medicines you use, including over‑the‑counter products and supplements.

Use caution with other immunosuppressants and live vaccines. If you are switching from oral steroids like prednisone, your prescriber may taper systemic therapy to reduce adrenal risks. Tell your care team about bone health concerns, eye conditions, diabetes, or hypertension before starting. If you become pregnant or plan to breastfeed, review potential risks and benefits with a clinician.

For additional background on mesalamine options that may be used alongside or instead of a steroid, see our article Asacol Vs Lialda.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people notice gradual improvement when using the foam as directed over several weeks. Symptom patterns vary by person and disease extent. Consistent dosing and careful technique support better outcomes. If symptoms persist or worsen, your prescriber may reassess the plan, add a companion therapy, or adjust timing. Keep follow‑up visits and share any concerns, including side effects, new medicines, or changes in bowel habits.

Compare With Alternatives

Rectal 5‑ASA therapies are commonly used in mild to moderate distal disease and can be combined with a local steroid. Liquid enemas cover a longer segment of the colon, while suppositories target the rectum. Two options offered here include Pentasa Enema and Salofalk Suppositories. Your clinician will help decide which format and class best match your disease location, symptom profile, and tolerance.

For more context on mesalamine therapy, you can also review Pentasa Medication.

Pricing and Access

We list U.S.‑payor friendly options so you can evaluate the Uceris Rectal Foam price and see current availability. Canadian dispensing often means competitive cash options for patients paying out of pocket. Learn about typical spending patterns in our article on Drug Costs. For updated promotions, see our site’s Promotions page.

If you use discounts, you may also look for an Uceris Rectal Foam coupon when available. Orders are fulfilled with US shipping from Canada, and our checkout is encrypted for your protection. If you need documentation for reimbursement, retain your invoice and the prescription label.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can fluctuate by market. If the foam is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative such as a rectal 5‑ASA or a different steroid formulation. We can coordinate with your prescription to dispense available options. For items sourced from Canada, equivalent products may differ in packaging or brand name while containing the same active ingredient.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults with distal ulcerative colitis who prefer a local treatment, those experiencing rectal symptoms despite oral therapy, or people seeking a time‑limited induction approach. It may not suit individuals with severe, extensive colitis, uncontrolled infections, or a history of severe steroid intolerance. Always confirm fit with a healthcare professional.

To stretch your budget, consider multi‑month fills when your prescriber agrees, which may reduce per‑order fees. Set refill reminders to prevent gaps in care. If a different rectal format would improve adherence, discuss options early. Review potential oral alternatives and maintenance strategies during remission planning. For a broad overview of treatment classes, see our Gastrointestinal category.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a local steroid appropriate for my disease location?
• How long should I use this induction course?
• Can I combine this foam with a rectal 5‑ASA?
• What signs suggest I should contact the clinic promptly?
• How do my other medicines affect budesonide exposure?
• What is the plan for maintenance after induction?

Authoritative Sources

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping and careful dispensing. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label.