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HomeDrugsUrsodiol (Actigall) Prices

ursodiol

Generic Actigall

Used for Cirrhosis, Gallstones

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.

Reviewed by:

Sean Moshrefi, PharmD

ThienLy Neal, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 3, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Latest news Images Prices Medicare

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.

When does Ursodiol (Actigall) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

YEARS

Initial effect

Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsActigall, Urso 250, Urso Forte

Drug ClassBile acid

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$204.69(save 87.40%)

GoodRx discount

$25.80

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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

Skin rash
Vomiting
Bladder infection
Muscle pain
Cough
Sore throat
Sinus infection
Hair thinning

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

When do Ursodiol (Actigall) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Risk of diarrhea

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Ursodiol (Actigall) side effects

actigall: drinking water stomachache 1226146695

7 Actigall Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

The following 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

chest pain

chills or fever

cough

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

nausea

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

constipation

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn

loss of voice

muscle aches

muscle or bone pain

pain, swelling, or redness in the joints

runny nose

sweating

trouble sleeping

Less common

Diarrhea

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.

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).

Frequently asked questions about Ursodiol (Actigall)

What is the drug ursodiol (Actigall) used for?

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.

Can ursodiol (Actigall) affect the liver?

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.

How fast does ursodiol (Actigall) work?

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.

Can ursodiol (Actigall) be taken with other medications?

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.

Can ursodiol (Actigall) cause hair loss?

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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What are the 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 forms

The average cost for 60 capsules of 300mg of Ursodiol (Actigall) is $25.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.4% off the average retail price of $204.69.

Capsule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
300mg	60 capsules	$25.80	$0.43

Typical dosing 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

Ursodiol (Actigall) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ursodiol (Actigall). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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.