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Bile Acids

Bile acids are used to dissolve gallstones and to treat cirrhosis by increasing the amount of ursodiol in the body.

Why are bile acids prescribed?

  1. Cirrhosis (100%)
  2. Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (0%)
  3. Excess Fat (0%)
  4. Liver Disease (0%)
  5. Gallstones (0%)

Key takeaways

Bile acids are used to treat gallstones and primary biliary cholangitis. They also have other uses, such as managing bile acid synthesis disorders and certain rare genetic disorders. Bile acids work by breaking down fats in your digestive system. Bile acid medications also lower the amount of bile in the liver to maintain liver function. These medications typically come as oral pills. Examples include ursodiol (Actigall, Urso 250, Urso Forte), Chenodal (chenodiol), and Ocaliva (obeticholic acid). These treatments can help manage your gallstones and liver problems more effectively.

Prices for popular Bile Acids medications
Viewing 8 of 8 medications
URSODIOL prevents and treats gallstones. It works by stopping your liver from making cholesterol, a substance that causes some types of gallstones to form. It also breaks down the cholesterol that makes up the gallstone.
Urso 250 (Ursodiol) is a moderately priced drug that helps dissolve gallstones in patients who cannot have or who do not need gallbladder surgery. This medicine is also useful for certain liver diseases of adults, children and infants. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. The most common version of Urso 250 is covered by 77% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $60.00-$80.00, however, some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
URSODIOL prevents and treats gallstones. It works by stopping your liver from making cholesterol, a substance that causes some types of gallstones to form. It also breaks down the cholesterol that makes up the gallstone.
vial icon

Kybella

as low as$3
DEOXYCHOLIC ACID decreases the appearance of fat below the chin (double chin). It works by breaking down fat cells.
CHOLIC ACID treats disorders of metabolism. It works by helping your body digest and absorb nutrients from food.
CHENODIOL treats gallstones. It works by stopping your liver from making cholesterol, a substance that causes some types of gallstones to form. It also breaks down the cholesterol that makes up the gallstone.
Chenodiol is only available as a generic drug.
OBETICHOLIC ACID treats primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a condition that causes injury to the bile ducts in your liver. It works by preventing the buildup of bile in your liver. This delays worsening symptoms.
Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

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