Urso (Ursodiol) requires a valid prescription from your doctor. This medication is used to treat and dissolve certain types of gallstones, to prevent them from forming in obese patients who are losing weight rapidly and to treat certain type of liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis). Urso belongs to a class of medications known as bile acid and it works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. This medication breaks down cholesterol that has formed into stones in the gallbladder. In addition, this medication also increases bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and is primarily used to treat biliary cirrhosis. Urso is usually used in people who have small gallstones and who cannot have gallbladder surgery, and to prevent gallstones in overweight patients undergoing rapid weight loss. The Ursodiol capsules are not used for treating gallstones that are calcified.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Urso and Urso DS tablets from Canada manufactured by Allergan and from United Kingdom also called Ursogal by Galen. The Urso suspension (Ursofalk) comes from United Kingdom manufactured by Provalis Healthcare.The generic Ursodiol comes from India (Ursocol) by Sun Pharma and Canada and United Kingdom by different manufacturers. The brand Urso is available in the strength of 250 mg tablets and capsules, 500 mg tablets and 250 mg/5 ml suspension. The generic Ursodiol or Ursodeoxycholic acid is available in the strength of 150 mg tablets, 250 mg tablet and capsules and 300 mg and 500 mg tablets.
When taking Ursodiol, you may experience some common side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, back pain, hair loss, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. It is very rare to experience any serious side effects of Urso. Some of the serious side effects include weakness, swelling of the ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat) and easy bleeding or bruising. Do not take Urso if you are allergic to Ursodiol. A serious allergic reaction is rare, however seek medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. It is important to remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication to you and has judged that the benefit of this medication is greater than the risk of side effects.
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it. Contact your medical health professional if you have ever had a medical history of liver disease (e.g., ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy). This medication should not also be used if you have certain gallbladder/bile duct problems (e.g., acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, biliary-gastrointestinal fistula). If you are pregnant or expecting, please consult with your doctor as it may cause harm to the baby. Taking Urso may cause you to feel dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).