Urso (Ursodiol)

What is Urso?

Actigall/Urso is a bile acid that reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines.

What is Urso used for?

Actigall/Urso is used for treating primary biliary cirrhosis; dissolve certain kinds of gallstones in order to prevent these gallstones from forming in obese patients who are losing weight quickly. However, it is to be noted that the medicine is not to be used in the treatment of gallstones that are calcified.

How does Urso work?

Actigall/Urso reduces the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. It dissolves the gallstones made by it.  It also increases the flow of bile in people suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis.

How to use Urso

Take Actigall/Urso in the manner prescribed by your doctor.

Take it at the same time everyday to extract best results from it.

Do not prolong the duration or change the dosage without your doctor’s permission.

Urso warnings and precautions

Do not take Actigall/Urso if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to any other bile acids.

Before taking Actigall/Urso, inform your doctor if you have a medical history of acute cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, cholangistis , gallstone pancreatitis, biliary gastrointestinal fistula; liver diseases like variceal bleeding , hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.

Abstain from alcohol and tobacco as far as possible and do not take up any task that requires alertness and attention, as Actigall/Urso can make you feel drowsy.

Pregnant women can use this medicine only in extreme cases after being permitted by the doctor. It is not known if Actigall/Urso passes through the breast milk; therefore, nursing mothers must consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Urso dose?

If you have missed an Actigall/Urso dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Urso overdose?

Urso interactions

Some medicines may interact, causing the effectiveness of each other to decrease and prolong the process of healing.

Do not use antacids while taking Actigall/Urso as it makes it difficult for the gallstones to be dissolved. Before taking Actigall/Urso tell your doctor if you are using drugs like colestipol, estrogens and cholestyramine.

Also, tell your doctor if you are taking some herbal medications or any other non prescribed medicines like multi vitamins and minerals etc. This will help the doctor know your exact medical condition and prescribe the dosage that will benefit you the most.

Drug interaction does not mean that you will have to discontinue one drug; it means that in most cases, the dosage of the drug you are taking in tandem with Actigall/Urso will be altered so as to not react with the medicine and reduce efficacy of either this medicine or that.

Urso side effects

If you experience swelling on the face, throat, lips or tongue, report to the doctor immediately. These side effects of Actigall/Urso must not be ignored.

Other side effects from Actigall/Urso that might be a cause for concern are fever, body ache accompanied by chills and other symptoms of flu, stomach pain accompanied by nausea, diarrhea  or constipation, hair loss , dizziness and fatigue, cold and cough with runny and stuffy nose,  headache etc.