PHL-Ursoldiol C

Common Name

ursodiol

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Ursodiol is used to treat a group of conditions known as cholestatic liver diseases (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis). Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by a decrease in bile secretion and bile flow.

Ursodiol is a natural component of bile and helps to increase the amount of bile and to increase bile flow. This helps symptoms associated with cholestatic liver diseases.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

250 mg
Each white, elliptical, biconvex, coated tablet engraved with "250" on one side and the "P" logo on the other side, contains ursodiol 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and starch glycolate.

500 mg
Each white, elliptical, biconvex, coated tablet ink-printed in black with "P" logo on one side and "500" on the other side, contains ursodiol 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, and starch glycolate.

How should I use this medication?

To treat cholestatic liver diseases, the recommended adult dose of ursodiol is based on body weight. Your doctor will calculate a dose of 13 mg to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, taken by mouth in 2 to 4 divided doses with food.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store the medication at room temperature, protect from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Ursodiol should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to ursodiol or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• back pain
• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• heartburn
• indigestion
• nausea
• reduced energy level
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• chest pain
• increased blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• itchiness
• muscle weakness
• skin rash
• stomach pain or ulcers
• swelling in the ankles or feet
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, hives, itchy skin rash, or swelling of the mouth or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Liver disease: People with liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Monitoring: You will probably need to have monthly liver function tests for the first 3 months you are taking this medication, and every 6 months after that.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if ursodiol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between ursodiol and any of the following:

• antacids that contain aluminum
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• cyclosporine
• dapsone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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