* Generic Name: ursodiol
* Brand Name: Urso
* What is ursodiol?
* What are the possible side effects of ursodiol?
* What is the most important information I should know about
ursodiol?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
ursodiol?
* How should I take ursodiol?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking ursodiol?
* What other drugs will affect ursodiol?
* Where can I get more information?
What is ursodiol?
Ursodiol is a bile acid that decreases the amount of
cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines.
Ursodiol helps break down cholesterol that has formed into stones in
the gallbladder. Ursodiol also increases bile flow in patients
with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol capsules are used to treat small gallstones in people who
cannot have gallbladder surgery, and to prevent gallstones in
overweight patients undergoing rapid weight loss. Ursodiol capsules
are not for treating gallstones that are calcified
Ursodiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of ursodiol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
* signs of a new infection--sudden weakness or ill feeling,
fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores,
trouble swallowing.
Common side effects may include:
* headache, dizziness;
* mild stomach pain or discomfort;
* nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
* cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
throat;
* hair loss; or
* mild itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ursodiol?
You should not use ursodiol if you have an obstruction in your liver or
gallbladder.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ursodiol?
You should not use ursodiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have
an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
To make sure ursodiol is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
* you have been coughing up blood; or
* you have gained weight rapidly, especially in your face and
midsection.
FDA pregnancy category B. Ursodiol is not expected to harm an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether ursodiol passes into breast milk or if it could
harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ursodiol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the ursodiol tablet with food.
You may need to break a tablet in half to get your correct dose. Each
tablet is scored in the middle and should break apart easily.
Swallow the tablet piece whole with a glass of water. A broken tablet
can have a bitter taste.
Use ursodiol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol for several months
before your gallstones dissolve. Keep using the medication as directed
and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Not all gallstones completely dissolve with ursodiol treatment, and you
may develop new gallstones within 5 years after treatment. Talk to your
doctor about your specific risks.
While using ursodiol, you may need gallbladder ultrasound exams, or
frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Your doctor may also
want to check your liver function every 6 months after you stop using
ursodiol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Tablets that are
broken in half can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
If you split your tablets, keep them separate from any whole tablets.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ursodiol?
Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your
doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body
to absorb ursodiol.
If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, avoid taking ursodiol at
the same time. Ask your doctor how many hours apart you should take
your medicines.
What other drugs will affect ursodiol?
Other drugs may interact with ursodiol, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ursodiol.
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