Urso

 
Generic Name: ursodiol

Brands: Actigall, Urso

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What is the most important information I should know about Urso?

· Do not take over-the-counter antacids that contain aluminum, such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, and many others, unless your doctor approves. Aluminum may decrease the effects of this medication.

· For patients treating gallstones, you may have to take Urso for quite a long period of time before your gallstones are dissolved. Do not stop taking Urso without first talking to your doctor.

 

What is Urso?

· Urso decreases the amount of cholesterol in bile and bile stones by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Urso reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from food and increases the breakdown of cholesterol, especially cholesterol that has formed into stones in the gallbladder. Urso also changes the make-up of the bile acid pool, creating an increase in bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

· Urso is used to treat small, noncalcified gallbladder stones in people who cannot undergo surgery, to prevent gallstone formation in obese patients who are undergoing rapid weight loss, and to treat people with primary biliary cirrhosis.

· Urso is not used to treat gallstones that are calcified.

· Urso may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Urso?

· Before taking Urso, tell your doctor if you have     ·cholecystitis;     ·biliary obstruction;     ·gallstone pancreatitis; or     ·biliary-gastrointestinal fistula.

· You may not be able to take Urso if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially heart, liver, or kidney disease.

· Urso is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take Urso without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

· It is not known whether Urso passes into breast milk. Do not take Urso without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Urso?

· Take Urso exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water. The medication can be taken with meals unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

· For patients treating gallstones, you may have to take Urso for quite a long period of time before your gallstones are dissolved. Do not stop taking Urso without first talking to your doctor.

· It is important to take Urso regularly to get the most benefit.

· Store Urso at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Urso overdose are unknown, but diarrhea may be expected.

 

What should I avoid while taking Urso?

· Do not take over-the-counter antacids that contain aluminum, such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, and many others, unless your doctor approves. Aluminum may decrease the effects of this medication.

 

What are the possible side effects of Urso?

· Stop taking Urso and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Urso and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·nausea or upset stomach,     ·diarrhea, or     ·headache.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Urso?

· Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), and aluminum-containing antacids such as Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox, and many others may decrease the amount of Urso that is absorbed into your body. Do not take these drugs while you are taking Urso.

· Other drugs, such as birth control pills, estrogens, and clofibrate (Atromid-S), may increase the amount of cholesterol in your body and therefore decrease the effects of Urso.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Urso. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Urso written for health professionals that you may read.

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