7 Actigall Side Effects You Should Know About

If you’ve ever had gallstones, you likely know that they can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. And while they can be harmless, some gallstones can lead to serious complications, like inflammation in your gallbladder or pancreas (pancreatitis).

Most commonly, gallstones are treated with surgery. But surgery isn’t an option for everyone. In certain cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a medication like Actigall (ursodiol). Actigall helps dissolve gallstones. And it’s sometimes used to help prevent gallstones in certain people, too.

Actigall can take several months to work. In that time, you could experience some side effects. Constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness are all possible. But what other Actigall side effects should you know about, and how can you manage them? We’ll discuss seven key side effects below.

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1. Constipation

Constipation is one of the most commonly reported Actigall side effects for gallstone prevention. During clinical trials, about 1 out of 4 people taking it for this reason reported constipation. However, constipation wasn’t reported as frequently with gallstone treatment. 

It’s not uncommon for medications to cause constipation as a side effect. But the good news is, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) options like stool softeners or laxatives to help get things moving again. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your options if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Although rare, gallstones can sometimes move from your gallbladder to your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can cause constipation and other symptoms that overlap with gallstones and Actigall side effects. If this happens, you may need surgery to remove the gallstone.

2. Diarrhea

In clinical trials, up to 27% of people taking Actigall reported having diarrhea. Experts aren’t entirely sure why this happens. But it’s thought that Actigall may be broken down into a substance that causes more diarrhea in your body.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience diarrhea from Actigall. They may suggest an OTC medication like loperamide (Imodium A-D) to help. Keep in mind that loperamide may interact with other medications you're taking. Double check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

3. Nausea

Nausea is another GI side effect you might experience while taking Actigall. And nausea can be a symptom of gallstones, too. Foods that are higher in fat content may make this worse.

Sometimes taking medication with food can help with nausea. And when it comes to Actigall, it typically works best when taken with food. Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, take it with a meal or a snack. Opt for lower-fat options to see if that makes a difference with any nausea you might have.

If your nausea is difficult to tolerate, there may be some medications or other tips that can help. Talk to your provider about your options for treating nausea from Actigall.

Keep in mind: Nausea can also be a sign of a more serious condition known as cholecystitis. This occurs when a gallstone gets stuck in the gallbladder and causes inflammation or an infection. Symptoms include nausea with vomiting, fever, and pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse. Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice) is also possible.

Cholecystitis can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

4. Dizziness

People taking Actigall for gallstone prevention have reported feeling dizzy. Dizziness can cause problems with balance. And it can make it difficult to do everyday activities, like driving a car. 

When you first start taking Actigall, use caution when moving around. Dizziness can cause falls, leading to more serious injuries, especially in older adults. You should also avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Actigall affects you. 

5. Respiratory infections

Actigall might cause a common cold in some people. Symptoms can include cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. While dealing with a cold can be annoying, it usually resolves on its own within 2 weeks.

Typically, getting rest and treating your symptoms are the best ways to get over a cold. But if your symptoms are severe, or affect your breathing, contact your healthcare provider right away. The same is true if your symptoms aren’t getting better after 10 days.

Less commonly, Actigall may cause other infections, like bronchitis or urinary tract infections. Some of these infections might need to be treated by your healthcare provider. 

6. Back pain

Some people taking Actigall reported back pain during clinical trials. This was more common in people taking it for gallbladder prevention (12%) compared to gallbladder treatment (7%).

Contact your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing back pain and it’s interfering with your daily life. They may suggest OTC pain medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), for some relief. Let them know if it becomes severe, or it isn’t relieved by pain relievers.

Keep in mind: Upper abdominal pain that spreads to your back can be a sign of pancreatitis. If you’re experiencing this type of pain along with fever, nausea and vomiting, and/or a fast heartbeat, get immediate medical attention.

7. Hair loss

You might notice some hair loss or thinning with Actigall. This side effect isn’t as common as those discussed above. But hair loss can be a major concern for some people. 

Certain types of hair loss from medications resolve once the medication is stopped. However, most people need to take Actigall for several months (sometimes longer) for it to be effective. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss from Actigall, contact your healthcare provider. There may be medications or other treatments available that can help.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Actigall side effects?

Luckily, Actigall isn’t known to cause many serious side effects. But you’ll still want to listen to your body during treatment. That’s because some symptoms of gallstone complications can overlap with Actigall side effects. As covered above, certain situations require immediate medical attention.

Actigall isn’t known to cause liver damage. But it’s broken down into a substance that can harm your liver. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function before and during treatment to be safe. Let them know if you notice jaundice, dark urine, and stomach pain.

If any Actigall side effects negatively impact your daily life, or if they become worse, let your healthcare provider know. They can determine the best course of action for you.

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Written by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Sarah Pearson is a practicing pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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