Information about Urso (Ursodiol)
Urso, which contains the active ingredient ursodiol, is a medication primarily used to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions. Ursodiol is a bile acid that helps in reducing the levels of cholesterol in the bile and preventing the formation of gallstones. It is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a chronic liver disease, and to dissolve certain types of gallstones.
Product Highlights
- Ursodiol is indicated for the treatment of PBC, a condition where the bile ducts in the liver are damaged, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure.
- It is used for the dissolution of non-calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients who cannot undergo surgery or prefer non-surgical management.
- Ursodiol can be used in the treatment of other liver conditions characterized by bile buildup in the liver.
Key Ingredient
- Ursodiol (Ursodeoxycholic Acid)
Key Benefits
- Ursodiol is effective in dissolving cholesterol-based gallstones, especially in people who are not candidates for surgery.
- It helps to slow the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and other liver conditions by improving bile flow and reducing liver damage.
- Ursodiol helps reduce cholesterol concentrations in the liver, thereby preventing the formation of gallstones.
- Most people tolerate ursodiol well, with a relatively low risk of serious side effects when taken as prescribed.
Direction of Use
- Urso (ursodiol) is usually taken one to four times per day, depending on the condition being treated and the prescribed dosage.
- It is recommended to take it with food to enhance absorption.
- Follow the exact dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dose or stop the medication without consulting your doctor.
- For gallstone treatment, it may take several months of continuous treatment to see results.
Safety Concerns
- Regular blood tests and liver function monitoring are essential during treatment, especially for patients with liver disease like PBC.
- Ursodiol can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or stomach upset.
- While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to ursodiol, including rash, itching, or swelling.
- The safety of ursodiol during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established. It should only be used when clearly necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
Avoid Urso (Ursodiol) If
- If you have had a known allergic reaction to ursodiol or any of its components, you should avoid using it.
- Urso is not suitable for people with certain types of gallbladder disease, including those with infected or calcified gallstones, as it is less effective in these conditions.
- If you have severe liver disease or are experiencing liver failure, ursodiol may not be safe or effective for you.
- It is advised to avoid ursodiol during pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider.
- Individuals with certain digestive disorders, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may need to avoid or use caution with ursodiol.
