UCERIS (budesonide extended-release tablets and rectal foam) Patient Assistance Program
- Clear & Transparent Pricing
- Paperwork & Doctor-Coordination
- Comprehensive Support: From Application to Entire Journey.
- Annual Re-certification And Refills Management
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Key Takeaways:
- Uceris (budesonide ER tablets) is FDA-approved for induction of remission in patients with active, mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Uceris rectal foam is FDA-approved for induction of remission in patients with active mild-to-moderate distal UC extending up to 40 cm from the anal verge. Both deliver budesonide locally with high first-pass metabolism — less systemic steroid exposure than prednisone.
- Without assistance, Uceris ER tablets and rectal foam cost approximately $1,800–$2,500 per course.
- Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients can access Uceris for a flat $69.95 per month.
- Generic budesonide extended-release tablets are now available. Generic budesonide for Crohn's (Entocort EC equivalent) is available — different formulation but same drug. Generic mesalamine products and prednisone are dramatically cheaper for UC.
What Is Uceris Prescription Assistance Program?
Uceris PAP for UC patients.
Eligibility, GI coordination.
AffordMyPrescriptions eliminates that burden. $69.95/month advocacy.
Pharmacy Price Comparison
- Uceris $1,800–$2,500/course. Generic budesonide ER and alternatives cheaper:
| Pharmacy(With Coupon) | PrIce (30-Day)* | You Save W/ Us |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens (brand) | ~$2,400 | Save substantially |
| CVS Pharmacy (brand) | ~$2,500 | Save substantially |
| Walmart (brand) | ~$1,900 | Save substantially |
| Costco (brand) | ~$1,850 | Save substantially |
Generic budesonide ER | ~$300 | Generic low |
*Just a heads-up — retail prices are estimates based on public data and vary by pharmacy. AffordMyPrescriptions Advocacy Service bypasses this by using drug manufacturer programs to secure your medication directly at no cost or retail price.
Our Pricing:
$69.95 Per month
1 Medications
$79.95 Per Month
2 Medications
$89.95 Per Month
3 Medications
$99.95 Per Month
4+ Medications
Why choose us For Your Uceris Prescription Program?
PAP at no cost. Generic budesonide ER, generic mesalamine, generic prednisone all alternatives.
Enroll
Complete a simple eligibility form so our team can determine if you may qualify for medication assistance programs.
We Advocate
Our specialists help gather documentation, complete applications, and coordinate with program providers.
Receive Medication
Once approved, you may receive your medication through the assistance program while we help manage ongoing paperwork and renewals.
Discount Coupons vs. Patient Assistance Programs
Many patients try discount cards first. Here’s why the Patient Assistance Program through AffordMyPrescriptions is the better long-term solution for Uceris:
Limitations of Coupons
- Prices fluctuate — savings aren’t guaranteed month-to-month
- Copay accumulators may prevent savings from counting toward deductible
- Coupon cards expire and require constant renewal
Still $1,800–$2,500/course per month even with the best discount
- Can’t be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or government insurance
Advantages of PAP Through Us
- Fixed $69.95/month — never changes regardless of retail price
- No expiration — continuous access as long as you qualify
- Medication supplied directly through the assistance program
- We manage all paperwork, refills, and annual renewals
- If denied, we explore alternative savings on your behalf
DO YOU QUALIFY?
Eligibility is generally determined by annual household income and insurance status. Most programs follow guidelines that include limits of up to $40,000 for individuals, $60,000 for couples, and $100,000 for larger families. Because requirements vary by program and household, we encourage you to contact AffordMyPrescriptions directly so we can review your specific situation and determine if you qualify for Uceris assistance.
- You Are A U.S. Citizen Or Legal Resident
- You Have A Valid Uceris Prescription From A Licensed U.S. Healthcare Provider
- You Are Uninsured Or Underinsured And Cannot Afford Your Medication
- You Have Recently Experienced A Change In Financial Circumstances That Affects Your Ability To Pay
Not sure if you qualify? Our pre-qualification check is completely free. If we can’t help, you won’t be charged.
Understanding Uceris:
Uceris is budesonide with extended-release formulation targeting the colon. Budesonide has high first-pass hepatic metabolism (~90%) — providing local anti-inflammatory effect on colonic mucosa with substantially less systemic corticosteroid exposure than prednisone. Reduces typical steroid side effects when used for induction of UC remission.
How Uceris Works:
Active UC inflammation responds to corticosteroids for induction. Oral prednisone is very effective but causes systemic side effects (weight gain, hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, mood, etc.). Budesonide ER targets colon with much less systemic exposure.
Uceris ER tablets use MMX technology to release budesonide throughout the colon. Uceris foam delivers budesonide to distal colon for distal UC. Local anti-inflammatory effect with limited systemic absorption. Course typically 8 weeks for induction.
Form and use:
Uceris ER 9 mg tablet once daily by mouth, in morning, with or without food, for up to 8 weeks. Don’t crush, chew, or split. Uceris foam: 1 application twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for 4 weeks.
Generic availability:
Generic budesonide ER tablets now available. Generic budesonide (Entocort EC equivalent — different formulation for Crohn’s ileitis) widely available. Other UC therapies: generic mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, Lialda, Apriso generics), generic prednisone (very cheap), biologics for moderate-severe UC.
Warnings:
Uceris carries warnings for hypercorticism (with prolonged or high-dose use — though much less than prednisone), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, immunosuppression and serious infections, transferring from systemic corticosteroids (gradual taper needed), drug interactions (strong CYP3A4 inhibitors substantially raise budesonide levels — avoid concurrent ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, grapefruit juice).
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Cost?
Brand $1,800–$2,500/course. Generic budesonide ER $250–$400. Generic prednisone $5–$15. Generic mesalamine variable.
Uceris ER vs prednisone?
Uceris ER has dramatically less systemic steroid exposure than prednisone — much fewer steroid side effects. Comparable efficacy for inducing UC remission. Prednisone much cheaper but more side effects. Uceris preferred for induction in many patients due to safety profile.
Uceris vs mesalamine?
Mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, Lialda generics) is first-line for mild-moderate UC — anti-inflammatory without steroid effects. Uceris used for moderate UC or when mesalamine insufficient. Often used together (induction with Uceris + maintenance with mesalamine).
Generic same?
Yes, FDA-approved bioequivalent.
Uceris ER vs Entocort EC?
Both contain budesonide but different release patterns. Entocort EC: pH-dependent release targeting ileum/right colon (for Crohn’s). Uceris ER: MMX technology releasing throughout colon (for UC). Different indications; not interchangeable.
Long-term use?
Both Uceris formulations are FDA-approved for induction (8 weeks) — not maintenance. Long-term steroid effects can occur with prolonged use even with budesonide. Use maintenance therapy (mesalamine, immunomodulators, biologics) after induction.
Denied?
Generic budesonide ER, generic mesalamine, generic prednisone (much cheaper for short courses).
Take Control of Your Medication Costs
If struggling with Uceris cost, we can help — or guide to generic budesonide ER or other alternatives. Check eligibility today.
Submit Enrollment Form
Start free by filling out a simple online form.
Receive Welcome Call
Our specialist will contact you for a quick welcome call.
We Manage The Process
Our team handles everything, so you can focus on your health.