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Urso Forte
Urso Forte (generic name: ursodiol) is a bile acid medication used to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions, particularly to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and manage primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease that affects the bile ducts. Ursodiol helps reduce cholesterol production and absorption, allowing gallstones to dissolve naturally and improving liver function in patients with PBC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Urso Forte to dissolve gallstones?
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for Urso Forte to fully dissolve cholesterol gallstones, depending on their size and number.
Can Urso Forte prevent new gallstones from forming?
Yes, Urso Forte can help prevent the formation of new gallstones in certain individuals, particularly those at high risk due to rapid weight loss or other factors.
Does Urso Forte cure primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)?
No, Urso Forte does not cure PBC, but it helps manage the condition by improving bile flow and reducing liver inflammation, slowing the progression of the disease.
Can Urso Forte be used after gallbladder surgery?
Urso Forte is typically used to manage liver or bile duct conditions, but it may not be needed after gallbladder removal unless prescribed for other indications.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Urso Forte?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Urso Forte Work?
Ursodiol works by reducing the production and absorption of cholesterol, which can lead to the dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones. It also improves bile flow in the liver and reduces inflammation in the bile ducts, helping to slow the progression of primary biliary cholangitis. This improves overall liver function and helps prevent further liver damage.
Common Dosages
- 500 mg scored oral tablets, which can be split to adjust the dosage.
Typical Dosing
- For gallstone dissolution: The typical dose is 8 to 10 mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses. Treatment can take several months to achieve gallstone dissolution.
- For primary biliary cholangitis: The recommended dose is 13 to 15 mg/kg/day, divided into two to four doses.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in patients who cannot undergo surgery (cholecystectomy).
- Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) to slow liver damage and improve bile flow.
Who Shouldn't Take Urso Forte?
- Calcified gallstones, as the medication is effective only for cholesterol-based gallstones.
- Biliary obstruction (blockage of the bile ducts).
- Known hypersensitivity to ursodiol or any of the ingredients in the medication.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take Urso Forte with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
- It may take months of continuous use for gallstones to dissolve, so it’s important to continue the treatment as prescribed, even if there’s no immediate improvement.
- Regular liver function tests are required for monitoring, especially in patients being treated for primary biliary cholangitis.
- If you are unable to swallow the large tablets, Urso Forte can be split along the score line or crushed and mixed with food, as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Store the medication at room temperature and protect it from moisture.
Side Effects of Urso Forte
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Back pain
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Severe abdominal pain, which could indicate gallstone complications or bile duct obstruction.
- Liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or light-colored stools.
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing).
Risks and Warnings of Urso Forte
- Liver Function Monitoring: Regular liver function tests are essential, especially for patients being treated for primary biliary cholangitis. Urso Forte helps improve bile flow and liver function, but monitoring ensures the medication is working effectively.
- Gallstone Dissolution: Urso Forte is effective only for dissolving non-calcified, cholesterol gallstones. It may not work for gallstones made of other substances, such as pigment stones.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common side effect, especially at higher doses. If diarrhea becomes severe, consult your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustments.
Interactions with Urso Forte
Common Drug Interactions
- Cholestyramine or colestipol: These medications can interfere with the absorption of ursodiol. If necessary, take these medications at least 4 hours apart from Urso Forte.
- Estrogen-containing contraceptives and lipid-lowering agents: These medications can increase cholesterol saturation in the bile, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Urso Forte in dissolving gallstones.
- Antacids containing aluminum: May decrease the absorption of ursodiol and should be taken separately.
Alternatives to Urso Forte
- Chenodiol: Another bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones, but with a different mechanism of action.
- Obeticholic acid: Used to treat primary biliary cholangitis, especially in patients who don’t respond to ursodiol.
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy): The definitive treatment for symptomatic gallstones.
