Common use
Urso (Ursodiol) capsules are used to dissolve small gallstones that cannot be removed with surgery, or to prevent gallstones that may occur during rapid weight loss. Urso will not dissolve calcified gallstones. Urso capsules are used also to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, an autoimmune disorder that causes progressive destruction of the bile ducts in your liver. Urso (Ursodiol) is also known as ursodeoxycholic acid.
Dosage and direction
Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take the Urso (ursodiol) tablet with food. You may need to break a tablet in half to get your correct dose. Swallow each tablet piece whole with a glass of water. A broken tablet may have a bitter taste. After breaking a tablet, keep it separate from the whole tablets and use it within 28 days after breaking. Use Urso regularly for the best results. Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if: you have been coughing up blood; or you have gained weight rapidly, especially in your face and midsection.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contraindications
You should not use Urso if you are allergic to ursodiol, or if you have an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Possible side effect
Common side effects of Urso may include: upset stomach, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea, constipation; cough, sore throat; painful urination; hair loss; or back pain.
Drug interaction
It may be harder for your body to absorb ursodiol if you take certain cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as: antacids that contain aluminum; cholestyramine; or colestipol.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially birth control pills, clofibrate, and other estrogens.
Missed dose
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention.
Storage
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children.
