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Where can I get Uromune? A Guide to the Recurrent UTI Vaccine

4 min read

According to the European Association of Urology, a long-term follow-up study showed that 54% of participants with recurrent UTIs remained infection-free for up to nine years after vaccination with Uromune. For those wondering where can I get Uromune, the answer depends heavily on geographical location, as this promising treatment is not universally approved or available.

Quick Summary

Obtaining Uromune is geographically restricted, as it is commercially unavailable in countries like the US, Canada, and Spain as of 2025. Access often requires international travel to a country where it is approved, like Mexico or the UK, or participation in an Expanded Access Program.

Key Points

  • Geographic Availability: Uromune is not approved by the FDA and is commercially unavailable in the United States and Canada, but it can be obtained in many countries across Europe, Mexico, and Australia.

  • Travel Required for Many: Patients in regions without commercial approval often need to travel internationally to receive the vaccine.

  • Prescription and Specialist Needed: A local doctor's or specialist's prescription is always required to obtain Uromune, even in countries where it is available.

  • Expanded Access Option: In certain circumstances, access may be possible through a compassionate use or Expanded Access Program, though availability is limited and conditional.

  • Not an Online Purchase: Reliable online purchases or shipments to countries without regulatory approval, such as the US, are not a valid method of access.

  • Non-Antibiotic Treatment: Uromune is a sublingual spray vaccine that stimulates the immune system as an alternative to long-term antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs.

In This Article

Understanding Uromune: A Non-Antibiotic Alternative

Uromune, also known as MV140, is a sublingual (under-the-tongue) vaccine designed to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). Developed by the Spanish pharmaceutical company Inmunotek, it consists of a mix of four common inactivated UTI-causing bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterococcus faecalis. By stimulating the immune system, the pineapple-flavored oral spray helps increase the body's resistance to these infections, offering a potential alternative to long-term antibiotic prophylaxis.

Clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of rUTIs in women and reducing the need for repeated antibiotic courses. However, its regulatory status and availability differ significantly around the world, creating a complex situation for many patients seeking this treatment.

Uromune Availability by Country

Navigating the process of obtaining Uromune requires understanding its specific status in different regions. The vaccine is approved for use in certain countries and available through special programs in others, but it is not available everywhere.

Regions Where Uromune is Available

  • Mexico: Uromune is licensed in Mexico and available in pharmacies, such as Benavides. A local doctor's prescription is required, and supply can sometimes be limited. Many US-based patients travel to Mexico to receive this treatment.
  • United Kingdom: In England, Uromune is offered at private clinics, such as The Urology Partnership. Patients can schedule a consultation with a specialist, like a consultant urologist, without a GP referral. However, the cost is not covered by insurance.
  • Dominican Republic: A local contact is listed for obtaining the vaccine.
  • Singapore: Clinics like Urohealth Medical Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital offer Uromune services.
  • Australia & Other Countries: As of April 2025, it is available in approximately 20 countries through Expanded Access Programs, including Australia.

Regions Where Uromune is Not Commercially Available

  • United States: Uromune is not FDA-approved and is commercially unavailable. Although Expanded Access Programs have existed, access is now highly limited. Any online promises of shipment are unreliable.
  • Canada: The application for approval has been voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer, and it is commercially unavailable as of August 2025.
  • Spain: According to the manufacturer, Uromune is no longer offered in Spain.

Pathways for Accessing Uromune

For individuals in countries where Uromune is not commercially available, there are typically two primary options, both of which require significant planning and consultation with a healthcare provider.

1. Medical Tourism

For patients in countries like the US, where Uromune is not approved, medical travel to a country where it is licensed is a common route. This involves a number of steps:

  • Research and select a country, such as Mexico, with licensed availability.
  • Find a local healthcare provider to provide a prescription and oversee the treatment.
  • Factor in the total cost, including travel, accommodation, local medical fees, and the vaccine itself.
  • Consult your current healthcare provider to discuss the treatment and potential risks.

2. Expanded Access Programs

Also known as compassionate use programs, these allow patients with serious conditions to access investigational drugs outside of a clinical trial when no other satisfactory treatment options are available.

  • Uromune has been available through Expanded Access Programs in various countries, such as Australia.
  • Eligibility is typically determined by strict criteria, and a physician must apply on the patient's behalf.
  • While promising, access is not guaranteed and depends on program availability and patient history.

Comparison: Uromune vs. Antibiotic Prophylaxis

For recurrent UTIs, the standard treatment often involves long-term, low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis. Uromune offers a non-antibiotic alternative, but the two approaches have key differences in terms of access and treatment.

Feature Uromune (MV140) Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Mechanism Stimulates the body's immune system using inactivated bacteria. Uses antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth.
Availability Restricted and requires international travel or special access in many countries. Widely available via prescription in most countries.
Risks/Side Effects Infrequent and minor; allergic reactions are possible. Risk of antibiotic resistance, gastrointestinal upset, and other side effects.
Treatment Length Typically a 3-month course administered daily. Can involve long-term daily use.
Long-Term Efficacy Can provide years of UTI-free periods for some patients. Effectiveness can wane over time, requiring alternative strategies.
Cost Varies by country; often significant and not covered by insurance. Covered by most insurance plans.

The Prescribing Process for Uromune

If you reside in a country where Uromune is commercially available, you will need a prescription. The process generally involves consulting with a specialist.

Steps to Get a Prescription

  1. Consult a Specialist: In the UK, for instance, a consultant urologist or urogynaecologist can prescribe Uromune.
  2. Initial Consultation: You will undergo an initial consultation, which may be in-person or via telephone, to assess your condition.
  3. Treatment Course: The specialist will prescribe the 3-month course of Uromune oral spray, which must be stored in a refrigerator.
  4. Follow-up: Subsequent follow-up appointments are typically required to monitor progress.

Conclusion

For individuals with recurrent UTIs, Uromune represents a promising non-antibiotic treatment with significant long-term efficacy demonstrated in studies. However, obtaining the vaccine is a multinational effort for many, as it is not readily available in countries like the US and Canada due to a lack of regulatory approval. Patients residing in these areas will need to either travel to a country where Uromune is licensed, such as Mexico or the UK, or investigate access through Expanded Access Programs. Due to the geographic and financial considerations, it is crucial for patients to conduct thorough research and consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best path forward.

An authoritative outbound link for further information is the NEJM Evidence article on the clinical efficacy of the vaccine: https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDoa2100018.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, as of 2025, Uromune is not approved by the FDA and is commercially unavailable in the U.S. Shipments to the US have been paused since at least mid-2023.

Currently, the most reliable option for North American patients is to travel to Mexico, where Uromune is licensed. It can be obtained from pharmacies with a local doctor's prescription.

Reliable online purchases or shipments to countries where Uromune is not approved are not a valid method of access. Attempting to acquire it this way is not recommended due to regulatory restrictions and safety concerns.

You must consult with a medical specialist, such as a consultant urologist, in a country where the vaccine is available. They will assess your suitability for treatment and provide a local prescription.

In many cases, health insurance does not cover the cost of Uromune, especially if obtained through a private clinic or abroad. Patients should budget for the full cost of the treatment and associated fees.

Yes, some patients may be able to access Uromune through an Expanded Access Program (also known as compassionate use). Eligibility for these programs is limited and determined by specific criteria.

The recommended treatment course is a 3-month daily regimen of the sublingual spray. The initial course provides long-lasting benefits for many patients.

Uromune offers a non-antibiotic alternative that can significantly reduce the frequency of UTIs and decrease the need for repeated antibiotic courses, thereby mitigating the risks associated with long-term antibiotic use, such as resistance.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.