Ursodeoxycholic acid

About Ursodeoxycholic acid

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Biliary agents.

Bile acids are produced and stored in the gall bladder. They form part of the digestive system of the body by helping to break down fats making them easier to digest.

Gallstones occur when cholesterol, calcium deposits and bile pigments build up forming stones in the gall bladder or bile ducts (the tubes that lead from the gall bladder into the intestine). These stones can block the bile duct causing pain. Some gallstones consist mainly of cholesterol; these are the type that ursodeoxycholic acid can help to treat. The treatment works by reducing the amount of cholesterol released by the liver into bile and by slowly dispersing the cholesterol, so breaking up the stones.

Some ursodeoxycholic acid preparations can also help to treat primary biliary cirrhosis which is when bile ducts become inflamed and damaged.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is available in tablet, capsule and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Destolit; Urdox; Ursofalk; Ursogal. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ursodeoxycholic acid

Before taking ursodeoxycholic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you suffer from liver problems
• if your gall bladder does not function properly
• if you have ever suffered from a stomach ulcer
• if you take medication for high cholesterol
• if you suffer from any inflammatory condition affecting the small intestine or colon such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• if you are a woman using a hormonal method of contraception such as a contraceptive pill, injection, implant or an intrauterine system (IUS)
• if you are a woman on hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• if you have ever had a transplant operation or if you are due to have one in the future
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Ursodeoxycholic acid

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment
• Take ursodeoxycholic acid exactly as directed by your doctor. Dosage instructions will vary depending on your symptoms and which type of medication you have been given.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you are taking the oral liquid form of ursodeoxycholic acid, make sure you shake the bottle well before use.
• Take ursodeoxycholic acid with or immediately after food.
• Do not stop taking ursodeoxycholic acid without consulting your doctor first.
• You may need to take ursodeoxycholic acid for up to two years. Once the gallstones have dissolved your doctor may continue your treatment for three to four months to ensure that they have completely cleared up.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of ursodeoxycholic acid contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside ursodeoxycholic acid.
• Important: You must follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor. You may have been told to avoid foods that are high in calories or cholesterol. Recommended diets may be low in fats and sugar.
• Important: You must consult your doctor before starting any type of diet.
• Important: Avoid getting pregnant while taking ursodeoxycholic acid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.

Can Ursodeoxycholic acid cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome:

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, itching of the skin.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Ursodeoxycholic acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/07/2003