Budesonide is a steroid. My friend, who has ulcerative colitis, takes a different steroid, the most often prescribed prednisone, which is very affordable. Is that an alternative for you? Budesonide may be the best option (see below) but there are other steroids that may also work and cost less.

Just found this online:
"Budesonide is a steroid medicine used to treat ulcerative colitis12345. It is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by decreasing the body's natural defense response2. Budesonide is targeted to the intestine and is broken down by the liver before it affects the rest of the body, so it usually has fewer side effects than other corticosteroids,"