Urso is an oral tablet consisting of a bile acid called ursodiol (also known as ursodeoxycholic acid). We carry this medication in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 250mg and 500mg!

Urso is used to dissolve non-calcified gallstones. Gallstones are substances that are hard and found in the gallbladder or bile duct which is located in the abdomen close to your liver. The most common symptom of gallstones is severe and constant pain located in the right upper abdomen, right below the ribcage. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, feeling bloated, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. Leaving this condition untreated can cause a blockage to occur which may lead to further life-threatening complications such as bile duct inflammation and infection, pancreatitis, “gallbladder cancer”, or cholecystitis (an inflammation of gallbladder). Additionally, this medication may be used to prevent gallstones in overweight patients undergoing rapid weight loss and can help treat primary biliary cirrhosis by increasing the bile flow.

Urso (ursodiol) is effective at treating and preventing gallstones because it is a bile acid and can decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver which reduces the amount absorbed by the intestines. This medication is capable of breaking down cholesterol that has formed into stones before they become calcified.

Only take this medication the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not take more or less of a dose than recommended by your doctor. If you forget how your doctor directed you to take Urso, you may be able to find directions on the prescription label. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk area of moisture or heat.

This medication should be taken with food. You may need to break the tablet in half to get the correct dose; only break the tablet in half if it has a score line. Swallow the tablet/half tablet whole with a full glass of water. If you have half tablets, keep them separate form the whole tablets; half tablets have a shelf life of 28 days in room temperature.

Do not use Urso (ursodiol)

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ursodiol or if you have an obstruction located in the liver or gallbladder.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have been coughing up blood or if you have gained weight rapidly, especially in the face and midsection.

Risks

Urso is not expected to harm an unborn baby but that does not mean it is not possible. Speak with your doctor about the possible risks before using this medication if you are pregnant.

Those who are breast feeding should also consult their doctor before using this medication as it is not known if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant.

Common side effects of Urso (ursodiol) 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.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Urso (ursodiol) may include:

weakness; or swelling of the ankles or feet.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

new infection: sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, trouble swallowing.

Is this medication safe for children to use?

This medication may be used in those who are at least 12 years old. The safety has not been established in patients younger than 12.

Does Urso have any drug interactions?

Some drugs that interact with Urso include aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, cyclosporine, and magaldrate.

This may not a complete list of drugs that interact with ursodiol (Urso). Contact your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with ursodiol.

What is the best dose of Urso to take?

The recommended dose of Urso for an adult with gallstones is 8 to 10 mg/kg per day, given in 2 to 3 divided doses.

How should I store this medication?

Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk area of heat and moisture. Ensure it is in an area not accessible by children or pets.