Ursodiol is used to prevent and treat the formation of certain types of gallstones or for liver disease (biliary cirrhosis). Ursodiol decreases the amount of cholesterol in bile and bile stones by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Ursodiol reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from food and increases the breakdown of cholesterol, especially cholesterol that has formed into stones in the gallbladder. Ursodiol also changes the make-up of the bile acid pool, creating an increase in bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following effects: diarrhea, severe stomach pains (especially in the upper right side), nausea, vomiting. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, gas, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, dry or itchy skin, sweating, thinning of the hair, cough, runny nose, metal taste in the mouth, muscle pain, nervousness or depression. These effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication exactly as directed. It is important to take each dose and not to skip doses. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed as side effects can result. Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor
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