What is the most important information I should know about ursodiol?
Before taking ursodiol, tell your doctor if you are also taking cholestyramine (Questran),
colestipol (Colestid), or estrogens (birth control pills or hormone replacement).
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of
antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make
it harder for your body to absorb ursodiol.
To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol for several months, and not all
gallstones may completely dissolve. Many people who use this medicine will develop gallstones
again within 5 years after treatment with ursodiol. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks
for repeated gallstones.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor may perform ultrasound
examinations of your gallbladder on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be
tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
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 small gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery,
and to prevent gallstones in overweight patients undergoing rapid weight loss. Ursodiol is also
used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol is not for treating gallstones that are calcified.
Ursodiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ursodiol?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to 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. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol for several months, and not all
gallstones may completely dissolve. Many people who use this medicine will develop gallstones
again within 5 years after treatment with ursodiol. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks
for repeated gallstones.
How should I take ursodiol?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. The medication can be taken with meals
unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor may perform ultrasound
examinations of your gallbladder on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be
tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
It may take several months of taking ursodiol before your gallstones dissolve. Take
this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.
It is important to take ursodiol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store ursodiol at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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