Uceris (budesonide) is a prescription drug used to treat ulcerative colitis. Uceris can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache, nausea, and low cortisol hormone levels.

Specifically, doctors prescribe Uceris to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in adults. The oral extended-release tablet treats flare-ups at any location in the digestive tract. Doctors only prescribe the rectal foam for flare-ups in the lower areas of the colon.

The active ingredient in Uceris is budesonide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as an extended-release tablet you swallow and a topical foam you insert rectally. (“Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time.)

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Uceris can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Uceris treatment.

Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects for the extended-release tablet include:

Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects for the rectal foam include:

  • nausea
  • low cortisol (stress) hormone levels*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Mild side effects have been reported with Uceris.

Mild side effects of the extended-release tablet include:

  • fatigue (low energy)
  • headache
  • nausea
  • abdominal bloating, gas, and pain
  • constipation
  • acne
  • hair growth on the face or chin
  • flushing
  • joint pain
  • mild allergic reaction*†

Mild side effects of the rectal foam include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And you can easily manage some with diet changes or over-the-counter medications. But if you have ongoing or bothersome symptoms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking or using Uceris unless your doctor recommends it.

Uceris may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information on the extended-release oral tablet or rectal foam. (“Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time.)

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Uceris. This side effect was not mentioned in original studies of extended-release oral tablet or rectal foam but was reported after Uceris was approved for use.

Serious side effects have been reported with Uceris and may vary depending on which form of the drug is being used. Serious side effects include:

  • mood swings or depression
  • cortisol (stress) hormone levels that are too low or too high*
  • increased risk of infection*
  • severe allergic reaction*†

If you develop serious side effects from Uceris, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Uceris. This side effect was not mentioned in original studies of extended-release oral tablet or rectal foam but was reported after Uceris was FDA-approved for public use.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Uceris, visit MedWatch.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about side effects of Uceris.

Does Uceris cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible but unlikely. Long-term side effects may occur if you take glucocorticoids for a long time. Certain side effects may not go away even after you stop taking them. Uceris is a glucocorticoid, but it’s typically used as a short-term treatment for 6–8 weeks. For this reason, the likelihood of long-term side effects with Uceris is low.

Examples of long-term side effects that may occur with glucocorticoids include:

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Uceris and how long they may last.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

How do side effects of Uceris compare with those of prednisone?

Uceris and prednisone are glucocorticoids. Both drugs are used to treat ulcerative colitis and may cause similar side effects. However, they come in different forms that could affect their risk of side effects.

Uceris comes as an extended-release oral tablet and a rectal foam. The extended-release tablet is designed to stay intact until it enters the intestine, where the medication is released over time. The rectal foam is applied directly to the lower colon. Using either form of Uceris results in low levels of the medication circulating in the blood, which lowers the risk of side effects.

Prednisone, however, comes in immediate-release oral forms. (An immediate-release drug is released into your body right after you take it.) Since prednisone works throughout the body, it may have a higher risk of side effects compared with Uceris.

In fact, a 2018 review of studies compared various steroids used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. The review concluded that budesonide* had fewer side effects than other steroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone.

* Budesonide is the active ingredient in Uceris. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Can Uceris cause weight gain?

Yes, it’s possible for Uceris to cause weight gain. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Uceris extended-release oral tablet or rectal foam. However, the risk of weight gain increases with the length of time you take glucocorticoids, including Uceris.

That said, Uceris is typically used as a short-term treatment, so the likelihood of weight gain with long-term use is low. Uceris may also cause less weight gain than other glucocorticoids because it doesn’t last long in the bloodstream once absorbed from the intestine. Examples of other glucocorticoids include prednisone and prednisolone.

Learn more about some of the side effects Uceris may cause.

Cortisol (stress) hormone levels that are too low or too high

Cortisol (stress) hormone levels being too low (adrenal gland suppression) was a common side effect reported in Uceris extended-release oral tablet and rectal foam studies. Cortisol levels being too high (hypercorticism) weren’t reported in studies of Uceris. However, this side effect is possible with long-term use of glucocorticoid.

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, is a hormone your adrenal gland makes that manages blood sugar, blood pressure, metabolism, and tissue inflammation. If your body is given a glucocorticoid such as Uceris, it will stop making cortisol on its own over time. This is called adrenal gland suppression.

If your body is given too much glucocorticoid medication, hypercorticism can occur.

Both conditions can be fatal if not managed by a doctor immediately. A scheduled dose decrease of Uceris for both conditions is important to avoid serious side effects.

A cortisol level that’s too low may cause symptoms such as:

A cortisol level that’s too high may cause symptoms such as:

  • bruising easily
  • obesity in the upper body
  • bruise-like stretch marks
  • back pain
  • irregular menstrual cycle
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • high blood sugar
  • high blood pressure
  • excess face and body hair in females*

Factors that can raise the risk of cortisol levels being too high or too low during Uceris treatment include:

  • the length of your treatment
  • suddenly stopping the drug
  • undergoing physical stress, such as surgery or illness

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What might help

If you have signs or symptoms of cortisol levels being too low or too high during Uceris treatment, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend urgent blood work and medical evaluation.

Increased risk of infection

Increased risk of infection is possible with glucocorticoids.* These drugs can reduce your body’s ability to fight infection, which increases your risk of reoccurring illnesses such as shingles (chicken pox) and measles.

Infections weren’t commonly reported in Uceris extended-release oral tablet and rectal foam studies but may still occur. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was a less common side effect in studies of the extended-release oral tablet, but no specific infections were reported in rectal foam studies.

Symptoms of an infection may include:

Factors that increase the risk of infection from Uceris include a history of chronic infection, diabetes, and immune system disorders.

* This is the group of drugs Uceris belongs to.

What might help

Before starting Uceris, discuss any chronic (long-term) infections, including viral, parasitic, and tubercular infections, that you may have with your doctor. Take care to avoid contact with people who may be experiencing illnesses like chickenpox or measles.

If you develop signs or symptoms of an infection, contact your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend an urgent medical evaluation.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Uceris can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn’t mentioned in studies of Uceris extended-release oral tablet or rectal foam but was reported after Uceris came on the market. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Uceris, they’ll decide whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Uceris, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Uceris treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Uceris affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before starting Uceris.

Warnings

Uceris can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Uceris. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

  • active or chronic (long-term) infection, especially:
    • tuberculosis (TB)
    • chicken pox
    • measles
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • liver disease
  • congestive heart failure
  • osteoporosis (bone weakness)
  • stomach ulcers
  • glaucoma, cataracts, or ocular herpes
  • planned surgery (any type)
  • use of other prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, herbs, or vitamins
  • consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice
  • previous allergic reaction to Uceris
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Alcohol and Uceris

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Uceris. But alcohol may worsen ulcerative colitis inflammation. If you have questions about consuming alcohol during Uceris treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Uceris

Uceris is usually prescribed for someone who’s pregnant or breastfeeding only if the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks to the fetus or child.

Pregnancy

Uceris is not considered safe for use during pregnancy.

There are a few published studies that discuss budesonide* use during pregnancy. But they don’t provide enough information to determine whether there’s a risk of miscarriage or problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) associated with the drug.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend using a form of birth control during your Uceris treatment.

* Budesonide is the active ingredient in Uceris. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Uceris is safe for use while breastfeeding. There haven’t been studies of its effect on breastfeeding or milk production. And there’s no information about its effects on a child who’s breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.

Like most drugs, Uceris can cause a number of side effects that range from mild to serious. But most are temporary and go away after a few days to weeks. If you have questions about side effects this drug can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help get you started include:

  • What warning signs of severe side effects should I look for?
  • How will Uceris affect my immune system?
  • Will stopping Uceris cause withdrawal symptoms?

To learn more about Uceris, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.