Uceris (budesonide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for ulcerative colitis in adults. As with other drugs, Uceris can cause side effects, such as headache and nausea.

Uceris can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials of the Uceris oral tablets and Uceris rectal foam:

  • nausea
  • decreased cortisol levels*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Uceris use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for the Uceris oral tablet or Uceris rectal foam.

Mild side effects that have been reported with the Uceris oral tablet include:

Mild side effects that have been reported with the Uceris rectal foam include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Uceris and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Uceris. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Uceris may cause serious side effects, although they aren’t common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for the Uceris oral tablet or Uceris rectal foam.

If you develop serious side effects while taking 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.

Serious side effects from Uceris may occur with either the oral tablet or the rectal foam. Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Uceris. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Uceris may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for the Uceris oral tablet or Uceris rectal foam.

Increased risk of infection

Uceris can increase the risk of infections such as severe measles and chickenpox. This is because Uceris belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticoids. These drugs can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to respond to an infection. However, infections weren’t commonly reported in clinical trials of Uceris oral tablet or Uceris rectal foam.

Symptoms typically depend on the type of infection. They can include:

What you can do

Before you start treatment with Uceris, tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Also tell them if you have a history of chronic or recurring infections such as tuberculosis.

Due to the risk of infection, it’s important to take extra safety precautions around people who may have an active infection. This may include washing your hands more frequently, avoiding physical contact, and sanitizing any surfaces that people with an infection have touched. For more information about preventing the spread of infections, see this article.

Contact your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of an infection. They can determine whether you have an infection and what the best treatment for you will be.

Decreased cortisol levels

Uceris can temporarily decrease levels of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone). This side effect was commonly reported in clinical trials of both the Uceris oral tablet and the Uceris rectal foam.

Typically, your adrenal glands make natural glucocorticoids, including cortisol. Glucocorticoid drugs such as Uceris can cause your adrenal glands to make less cortisol than usual. If you suddenly stop taking Uceris, you may develop symptoms of low cortisol, such as:

  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • decreased appetite
  • muscle weakness
  • nausea and vomiting

Long-term use of Uceris (or other glucocorticoids) may lead to adrenal insufficiency. This is when your adrenal glands stop working to produce certain hormones, including cortisol. However, Uceris is typically prescribed as a short-term treatment.

What you can do

To reduce the risk of low cortisol levels, it’s important that you do not suddenly stop taking Uceris. Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your medications. Your doctor will advise on the safest way for you to stop taking Uceris.

If you’re having surgery, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including Uceris. You may have a higher risk of side effects if you take Uceris in combination with certain other drugs. This includes certain drugs that your doctor may prescribe before or after surgery. For more information about the drugs Uceris may interact with, see this article.

Talk with your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low cortisol levels during treatment with Uceris. They’ll determine the safest treatment options for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Uceris can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of the Uceris oral tablet or rectal foam. However, there have been reports of allergic reactions since the drugs were approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Uceris. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Uceris. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

High blood pressure: Uceris can increase your blood pressure, especially if you take it long term. Before you start treatment with this drug, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure. They can determine whether Uceris is the right treatment option for you.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before you start Uceris treatment. Uceris belongs to a class of drugs called glucocorticoids. Drugs in this class may increase your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, taking Uceris may make it more difficult to manage your blood sugar.

Your doctor will likely check your blood sugar more often than usual during Uceris treatment. They may also need to adjust your existing diabetes treatment to manage your blood sugar levels while you’re taking Uceris.

Liver problems: If you have a liver problem, such as cirrhosis, talk with your doctor. If your liver doesn’t function as well as it should, you may have an increased risk of high cortisol levels. If you have a condition that affects your liver function, your doctor will monitor your symptoms more closely during treatment.

Glaucoma or cataracts: Before you start taking Uceris, talk with your doctor about any eye conditions you may have, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Because of the way Uceris works, long-term use can worsen certain eye conditions. Your doctor can determine whether Uceris is a safe treatment option for you.

Osteoporosis: Uceris is a type of corticosteroid. Long-term treatment with certain corticosteroids may cause low bone mineral density. In turn, this may lead to osteoporosis. If you have a history of low bone density or osteoporosis, talk with your doctor. They’ll determine whether Uceris is safe for you to take.

Planned surgery: Because of the way Uceris works, long-term use can limit your body’s ability to respond to stressful situations, including surgery. If you’re planning to have surgery, be sure to tell your care team about every medication you take, including Uceris. They may need to adjust your medications before, during, or after your surgery.

Infection: Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have an active or chronic infection. Taking Uceris can weaken your immune system, which can increase your risk of infection and make it harder for your body to respond to an infection.

Due to this risk, it’s also important to tell your doctor if you’ve recently been exposed to any infections. Let your doctor know if someone close to you has an infection, such as measles or chickenpox. Your doctor will determine whether Uceris is safe for you to take. If you have an active infection, they will likely want to treat it before you start therapy with Uceris.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Uceris or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Uceris. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child, Uceris may not be safe for you to take. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for either, talk with your doctor. They’ll determine the safest treatment options for you and your child.

Alcohol consumption: There are no known interactions between Uceris and alcohol. However, it may be best to avoid alcohol during treatment with Uceris. Drinking alcohol may worsen certain symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while taking Uceris.

Like most drugs, Uceris can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Most side effects are mild and go away after a few days to weeks. You should talk with your doctor if any side effects last, are bothersome, or are serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Uceris, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Uceris: For details about other aspects of Uceris, refer to this article.
  • Cost: If you’d like to learn about Uceris and cost, see this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Uceris, view this article.
  • Interactions: To find out about Uceris’s interactions, see this article.
  • A look at ulcerative colitis: For details about UC, see our inflammatory bowel disease hub.

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.