Urso is used for:
Treating and preventing gallstones. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Urso 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 Urso if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Urso
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Urso :
Some medical conditions may interact with Urso . 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 Urso . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Estrogens (eg, premarin, oral contraceptives) because they may decrease Urso 's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Urso 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 Urso :
Use Urso as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Take Urso by mouth with food or milk.
• Do not take an antacid that has aluminum in it or a bile acid sequestrant (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol) within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Urso .
• If you miss a dose of Urso , 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 Urso .
Important safety information:
• It may take several months for Urso to work. Do not stop taking Urso without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests, including liver function, may be performed while you use Urso . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Urso should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Urso while you are pregnant. It is not known if Urso is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Urso , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Urso :
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 about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Proper storage of Urso :
Store Urso at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Urso out of the reach of children and away from pets.