DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ursodiol Capsules and Tablets (ERR-so-DIE-ole)
Brand Name: Examples include Actigall and Urso

Actigall is used for:

Treating and preventing gallstones. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Actigall is a bile acid naturally found in the body. It works by dissolving the cholesterol that makes gallstones and inhibiting production of cholesterol in the liver and absorption in the intestines, which helps to decrease the formation of gallstones. It can also reduce the amount of other bile acids that can be harmful to liver cells when levels are elevated.

Do NOT use Actigall if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Actigall

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Actigall :

Some medical conditions may interact with Actigall . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have obstruction or inflammation of the bile duct, inflammation of the gallbladder, inflammation of the pancreas, or bleeding from the veins in the esophagus

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Actigall . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Estrogens (eg, premarin, oral contraceptives) may decrease the effectiveness of Actigall when used for gallstones

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Actigall may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Actigall :

Use Actigall as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Actigall with food or milk.
• Do not take aluminum-containing antacids or bile acid sequestrants (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol) within 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Actigall .
• If you miss a dose of Actigall , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Actigall .

Important safety information:

• It may take several months for Actigall to work. Do not stop taking Actigall without checking with your doctor.
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Actigall with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Actigall during pregnancy. It is unknown if Actigall is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Actigall , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Actigall :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dry skin; gas; headache; indigestion; metallic taste; muscle or joint pain; nausea; skin rash; stomach pain; swelling; tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea.

Proper storage of Actigall :

Store Actigall at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep Actigall out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Actigall , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Actigall is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Actigall . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.