Ursodiol, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: bile acid; gallstone dissolver

Generic and brand names: ursodiol, oral; Actigall; Urso 250; Urso Forte

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to help dissolve gallstones when surgery to remove them from your gallbladder is not possible or desired. It may be used to keep gallstones from forming in people who are losing weight rapidly. It may also be used to treat certain types of liver disease.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. This medicine must be taken over a period of time to dissolve gallstones. Take it regularly.

This medicine works best if you take it with food. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Constant diarrhea, severe stomach pain, severe nausea and vomiting, itchy rash, pain when you urinate.

Other: Mild nausea or vomiting, gas, constipation, dry skin, headache, hair loss, muscle or joint pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antacids containing aluminum such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Gaviscon (take them at least 2 hours apart from this medicine)
• birth control pills and estrogen products
• medicines to lower cholesterol such as cholestyramine (Questran, LoCholest, Prevalite), and colestipol (Colestid)

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.