Ursodeoxycholic acid

About ursodeoxycholic acid

Gallstones cause problems such as pain, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis), and gallbladder inflammation. They occur when bile, which is normally fluid, forms stones. Gallstones commonly contain lumps of fatty (cholesterol-like) material which has solidified and hardened. They may also contain bile pigments and calcium deposits. These stones can block the bile duct, causing pain.

Surgery is the usual treatment for gallstones that are causing symptoms, but treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid may dissolve smaller stones which are made mainly of cholesterol. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid which is produced naturally by the body. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol released by your liver and by slowly dispersing the cholesterol. This breaks up the stones.

Some ursodeoxycholic acid preparations can also help to treat primary biliary cholangitis. This is a condition that slowly damages the bile ducts in the liver, and as the disease progresses, it can damage the liver.

Before taking ursodeoxycholic acid

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking ursodeoxycholic acid it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have a problem with your gallbladder other than gallstones.

• If you have a condition which affects your intestines (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), or if you have had surgery on your bowel.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal or complementary medicines. In particular, let your doctor know if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill or are on hormone replacement therapy.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take ursodeoxycholic acid

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific brand of ursodeoxycholic acid you have been given, and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take ursodeoxycholic acid exactly as your doctor tells you to. How much you need to take will depend upon what you are being treated for. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take and when, and the dosage directions will be on the label of the pack to remind you. To dissolve gallstones, it is usually taken once daily at bedtime. Sometimes your doctor may suggest you take two doses each day, in which case, take your last dose of the day at bedtime. If you are taking ursodeoxycholic acid for primary biliary cholangitis, it is likely that you will be asked to take 2-4 doses daily.

• Try to take ursodeoxycholic acid at the same times each day as this will help you to remember to take it. Take each of your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal.

• If you are taking ursodeoxycholic acid as a liquid medicine, make sure you shake the bottle well before you pour out a dose.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have blood tests, scans or X-rays from time to time.

• It is important that you follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor. Try to avoid foods that are high in calories or cholesterol.

• You may need to take ursodeoxycholic acid for up to two years for the treatment of gallstones. Once the gallstones have dissolved, your doctor may continue your treatment for three to four months to ensure that they have completely cleared up. Treatment for primary biliary cholangitis is usually long-term unless you experience an adverse effect.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with this medicine. This is particularly important if you are buying indigestion remedies. Some antacid preparations contain aluminium salts which can interfere with the way ursodeoxycholic acid works.

• If you are using oral combined hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), please ask your doctor for advice. A method of contraception that contains less oestrogen may be more suitable for you.

Can ursodeoxycholic acid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below lists some of the most common ones associated with ursodeoxycholic acid. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve over the first few days of taking a new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ursodeoxycholic acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines