Uceris® – The Only Rectal Foam in Canada for Adults with Ulcerative Colitis

Drug Review: Volume 22, Issue 7 (PDF)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by diarrhea, stomach pain, rectal bleeding and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. By 2030, UC is estimated to affect 436 per 100,000 Canadians. The condition predominantly affects men and women between the ages of 15 to 30 but may present at any time and at all ages. UC can be especially burdensome for people of working age due to symptom-related absenteeism at work, higher health care costs, and psychological distress.

The goal of treatment is to effectively manage symptoms, reduce health care visits, improve quality of life, and improve treatment adherence. Rectal corticosteroids are recommended as a second-line therapy for patients who have an inadequate response to a rectal 5-aminosalicylate suppository (e.g. mesalamine suppositories). Prior to the approval of Uceris^®, Entocort^® (budesonide) was the only rectal corticosteroid available in Canada, in form of an enema. It was, however, associated with burdensome administration, pain, discomfort, constipation, and resulting discontinuation of treatment.

Uceris^®, also budesonide but in foam form, was primarily designed to improve medication adherence, ease of administration, and comfort. Compared to Entocort^®, a study demonstrated that 84% of patients preferred Uceris^®, only 6% preferred Entocort®, and 10% had no preference.

Uceris^® is a rectal corticosteroid foam that is a safe, effective, and easy-to-administer treatment option for patients with UC. The recommended dosing regimen is 1 metered dose (2mg) rectally twice daily for 2 weeks then once daily for 4 weeks. The cost of Uceris^® is $400 per 6-week treatment cycle, which is comparable to other rectal corticosteroids. Given its clinical benefit and positive impact on quality of life, Uceris^® will be fully covered for ClaimSecure groups subscribed to Managed and Open formularies.