Ursodiol, Oral
What are other names for this medicine?
Type of medicine: bile acid; gallstone dissolver
Generic and brand names: ursodiol, oral; Actigall; Urso
What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used to help dissolve gallstones when surgery to remove them from your gallbladder is not possible or desired. It may be used to keep gallstones from forming in people who are losing weight rapidly. It may also be used to treat certain types of liver disease as determined by your health care provider.
What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?
Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had liver disease.
Females of childbearing age: Estrogens (female hormones) and birth control pills may interfere with the action of this medicine. Also, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, tell your health care provider. This medicine is not usually given while you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How do I take it?
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed. Taking too much increases the risk of side effects.
This medicine works best if you take it with food. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
This medicine must be taken over a period of time to dissolve gallstones. Take it regularly.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval. If you stop too soon, the gallstones may not be completely dissolved.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.
What should I watch out for?
Your health care provider will want to see you regularly to determine whether the medicine is working. You may need ultrasound scanning of your gallbladder and blood tests. Keep your appointments for these tests.
What are the possible side effects?
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Constant diarrhea, severe stomach pain, severe nausea and vomiting, anxiety, itchy rash.
Other: Mild nausea or vomiting, metallic taste, gas, constipation, dry skin, headaches, fatigue, thinning hair.
What products might interact with this medicine?
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:
- antacids containing aluminum (take them at least 2 hours apart from this medicine)
- birth control pills
- cholestyramine (Questran)
- clofibrate (Atromid-S)
- colestipol (Colestid)
- estrogens.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
How should I store this medicine?
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
