ursodiol
The capsule form of ursodiol (Actigall) is used to dissolve gallstones in people who cannot have or do not want gallbladder surgery and to prevent gallstones from forming in overweight people undergoing rapid weight loss. The tablet form of ursodiol (Actigall) is used to treat a certain type of liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis.
What is Ursodiol (Actigall)?
What is Ursodiol (Actigall) used for?
- Dissolve gallstones
- Prevention of gallstone formation in overweight people experiencing rapid weight loss
- Liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis)
How Ursodiol (Actigall) works
Ursodiol (Actigall) is a bile acid that prevents and helps dissolve certain gallstones. It works to lower the cholesterol content of bile and bile stones by reducing the production and secretion of cholesterol from the liver and the reabsorption of cholesterol by the intestines. It also keeps bile flow moving and maintains liver function in people who have a certain type of liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ursodiol (Actigall)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
- Bladder infection
- Muscle pain
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sinus infection
- Hair thinning
Ursodiol (Actigall) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes)
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Severe abdominal pain
More on Ursodiol (Actigall) side effects
The following Ursodiol (Actigall) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dizziness
fast heartbeat
frequent urge to urinate
indigestion
lower back or side pain
severe nausea
skin rash or itching over the entire body
stomach pain
vomiting
weakness
Less common
Black, tarry stools
chills or fever
pinpoint red spots on the skin
severe or continuing stomach pain
sore throat or swollen glands
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Clay-colored stools
dark urine
difficulty with swallowing
headache
hives or welts
hoarseness
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
redness of the skin
slow or irregular breathing
tightness in the chest
unpleasant breath odor
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Back pain
body aches or pain
congestion
general feeling of discomfort or illness
loss of voice
muscle aches
muscle or bone pain
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
sweating
trouble sleeping
Less common
Rare
Worsening psoriasis
Incidence not known
Acid or sour stomach
belching bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
difficulty with moving
rapid weight gain
stomach discomfort or upset
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Ursodiol (Actigall)
Pros
- It is available as a cheaper, generic form.
- Less invasive than gallbladder surgery
- Generally safe to use in people who have kidney or liver problems
- Studies have not shown that ursodiol (Actigall) causes fertility problems or harm to an unborn baby. However, you and your provider should always discuss risks versus benefits before starting any medications.
Cons
- Ursodiol (Actigall) does not dissolve all types of gallstones (typically works on smaller gallstones).
- If you are using this medication to dissolve existing gallstones, you may have to take it up to 3 times a day.
- To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol (Actigall) for many months before your gallstones will dissolve.
- While using ursodiol (Actigall), you may need gallbladder ultrasound exams or frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Pharmacist tips for Ursodiol (Actigall)
- The scored tablet may be broken in half if needed to provide a specific dose instructed by your healthcare provider. You can store the other half-tablet at room temperature for up to 28 days. The half-tablet should be swallowed immediately with water. Do not chew the half-tablet since it can have a bitter taste.
- You should not take ursodiol (Actigall) with any antacids as it may make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
- If you're allergic to bild acids, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting ursodiol (Actigall). This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to bile acids.
- To gain the most benefit from this medication, do not miss doses. Keep taking ursodiol (Actigall) as you have been told by your healthcare provider, even if you begin to feel better.
- If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, you should avoid taking ursodiol (Actigall) at the same time, because it can lower the effectiveness of ursodiol (Actigall).
Common questions about Ursodiol (Actigall)
Ursodiol (Actigall) is used to dissolve gallstones in people who cannot or do not want to undergo gallbladder surgery. It is also used to treat people with primary biliary cirrhosis which is an autoimmune liver disease. Finally, it can be used to prevent gallstones from forming in overweight people undergoing rapid weight loss.
Ursodiol (Actigall) is not known to cause liver damage. However, it is recommended that a liver function test be performed at the start and during treatment to make sure that you're not having any problems with your liver. You should immediately report any signs of intense nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes) as these can be signs of serious liver issues.
Ursodiol (Actigall) can take months to fully work and dissolve your gallstones, but you might notice some improvements in symptoms after a few weeks of treatment. There is a chance that not all of your gallstones will be completely dissolved even after treatment with ursodiol (Actigall). Your gallstones may also come back years after completing ursodiol (Actigall). You and your provider should discuss the risk/benefit of such treatment and alternative therapies should be considered if this medication is not right for you.
If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, you should avoid taking ursodiol at the same time. Additionally, you should avoid taking antacid medications like Maalox and Mylanta at the same time. These medications can lower the effectiveness of ursodiol (Actigall). You should always tell your provider and pharmacist all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products.
Hair loss or hair thinning can occur while taking ursodiol (Actigall). Let your provider know if this is a concern for you.
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Risks and warnings for Ursodiol (Actigall)
Ursodiol (Actigall) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Liver function tests
Treatment with ursodiol (Actigall) does not cause liver damage. However, your healthcare provider will check your liver function prior to starting ursodiol (Actigall) and during treatment to make sure that your liver is working properly. Let your provider know if you notice yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes, dark urine, fatigue, or stomach pain as these can be signs of a severe liver problem.
Drug interactions
- Risk factors: Use of ursodiol (Actigall) with cholestyramine, colestipol, aluminum-based antacids (like Maalox and Mylanta), estrogens, oral contraceptives, and some cholesterol-lowering drugs
Bile acid sequestering agents (like cholestyramine and colestipol) and aluminum-based antacids (like Maalox and Mylanta) can interfere with how well ursodiol (Actigall) works. These drugs can prevent ursodiol (Actigall) from being absorbed by your body. Moreover, estrogens, oral contraceptives, and potentially other cholesterol-lowering drugs can counteract the effectiveness of ursodiol (Actigall).
Ursodiol (Actigall) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300mg | 60 capsules | $36.61 | $0.61 |
Typical dosage for Ursodiol (Actigall)
Capsules:
-
Dissolving of gallstones: Dose is based on body weight. Take 8-10 mg/kg/day in two or three divided doses.
-
Gallstone prevention: Take 300 mg by mouth twice a day (for a total of 600 mg per day).
Tablets:
- Primary biliary cirrhosis: Dose is based on body weight. Take 13-15 mg/kg/day in two or four divided doses with food.
Interactions between Ursodiol (Actigall) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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