Generic Urso (Ursodiol)

Introduction

Urso is a tablet formulation that contains the bile-acid derivative Ursodiol. It belongs to the class of hepatobiliary agents used to modify the composition of bile. The medication is supplied in 150 mg and 300 mg tablets and is indicated for specific liver and gallbladder disorders. In addition to its approved uses, clinicians sometimes consider Urso for other liver conditions, although such applications have not been formally approved by regulatory agencies.

What is Urso?

Urso is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Ursodiol. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Ursodiol was first isolated from the ursolic acid found in bear bile and was later synthesized for therapeutic use. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Actigall and Urso in various countries. It is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies that adhere to good manufacturing practices.

How Urso Works

Ursodiol is a hydrophilic secondary bile acid. After oral ingestion, it is absorbed in the small intestine and recycled to the liver via the enterohepatic circulation. In the liver, Ursodiol replaces more toxic, hydrophobic bile acids in the bile pool, leading to:

• Reduced cholesterol saturation - this promotes gradual dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones.
• Cytoprotective effect on cholangiocytes - the drug stabilizes cell membranes and decreases bile-acid-induced apoptosis, which is essential in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
• Immunomodulation - Ursodiol down-regulates inflammatory cytokines and may improve bile-duct injury.

The therapeutic effect typically begins within weeks, with maximal biochemical improvement seen after 3-6 months of continuous therapy. Ursodiol is eliminated primarily by biliary excretion; its half-life is approximately 3.5 hours, and steady-state concentrations are reached after 4-5 days of regular dosing.

Conditions Treated with Urso

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). Ursodiol slows disease progression by improving cholestasis, reducing alkaline phosphatase, and delaying the need for liver transplantation.
• Dissolution of Cholesterol Gallstones. When gallstones are ≤ 15 mm and the gallbladder is functional, Ursodiol can gradually dissolve stones, usually over 6-12 months of therapy.

These indications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Urso

• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). Small-scale studies suggest Ursodiol may modestly improve cholestatic enzymes, but the benefit remains unproven and is not approved.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Clinical trials have explored Ursodiol’s anti-inflammatory properties, yet regulatory agencies have not granted an indication.
• Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension. Limited data indicate possible reductions in portal pressure, but safety and efficacy are still under investigation.

Off-label use should only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Urso the Right Medication for You?

Urso is most appropriate for adults who have:

• A confirmed diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis based on biochemical, serologic, and histologic criteria.
• Radiographically documented cholesterol gallstones that are small enough for medical dissolution and who retain a functional gallbladder.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a known hypersensitivity to Ursodiol should avoid the drug. Individuals with severe hepatic failure (Child-Pugh class C) may not achieve adequate therapeutic benefit and require specialist assessment.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Nausea, abdominal discomfort
• Flatulence

Rare

• Pruritus (itching)
• Skin rash or urticaria
• Elevated liver enzymes transiently after initiation

Serious

• Hepatotoxicity manifesting as jaundice, marked elevation of transaminases, or acute liver failure (extremely uncommon)
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Cyclosporine - concomitant use may increase cyclosporine blood levels; monitor renal function.
• Warfarin - Ursodiol can modestly enhance anticoagulant effect; more frequent INR checks are advisable.
• Cholestyramine - binds Ursodiol and reduces its absorption; separate administration by at least 4 hours.

Drug-Food Interactions

• High-fat meals may delay absorption but do not affect overall exposure; the drug can be taken with or without food.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 13-15 mg/kg per day, usually divided into two doses (e.g., 300 mg twice daily for a 70 kg adult).
• Gallstone Dissolution: 10 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses; treatment may continue for 6-12 months.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose; do not double-dose. In the event of suspected overdose, seek emergency medical assistance-symptoms may include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or jaundice.

Practical precautions:

• Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.
• Alcohol does not directly interfere but chronic excess can worsen liver disease; moderation is advised.
• Caution when operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you, especially during the first few days.

FAQ

• What is the appearance of Urso tablets? Urso tablets are round, biconvex, and typically white to off-white in color. The 150 mg strength is imprinted with “150” and the 300 mg strength with “300” on one side.

• Can I travel internationally while taking Urso? Yes. Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription label, and be aware of the destination country’s import regulations for bile-acid drugs.

• Does Urso contain any allergens such as lactose or gluten? Most formulations are lactose-free and do not contain gluten-derived excipients, but always review the specific product’s inactive ingredient list.

• How should Urso be stored in hot climates? Store tablets at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) away from moisture and direct sunlight. In high-temperature regions, keep the bottle in a cool, insulated container.

• Is Urso safe for patients with chronic kidney disease? Ursodiol is primarily eliminated via the bile; renal impairment does not significantly affect its pharmacokinetics, but monitoring of liver function remains essential.

• What is the difference between Urso and brand-name Actigall? Both contain the same active ingredient, Ursodiol, in identical strengths. The main distinction lies in pricing and manufacturer; generic Urso is typically less expensive while maintaining bioequivalence.

• Can Urso be used for prophylaxis against gallstone formation after rapid weight loss? Evidence for primary prevention is limited; Ursodiol is approved for dissolution of existing cholesterol stones, not for prophylactic use.

• Will Urso appear on standard drug-testing panels? Ursodiol is not a controlled substance and is not screened for in routine occupational or sports drug tests.

• How long does it take for Urso to improve liver enzyme levels in PBC? Biochemical improvements often become evident after 8-12 weeks, with the greatest reductions seen by 24 weeks of continuous therapy.

• Are there any known interactions between Urso and herbal supplements such as milk thistle? No clinically significant interaction has been reported, but both agents affect liver metabolism; discuss all supplements with your healthcare provider.

Glossary

Cholestasis

A condition in which bile flow from the liver is impaired, leading to accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream.

Hydrophilic

Describes a molecule that readily dissolves in water; Ursodiol’s hydrophilic nature reduces its toxic effect on liver cells.

Biliary Circulation

The enterohepatic pathway in which bile acids are secreted into the intestine, reabsorbed, and returned to the liver.

Steatosis

Accumulation of fat within liver cells, commonly seen in NAFLD and NASH.

Buying Urso from Our Online Pharmacy

Urso can be purchased from our online pharmacy, which specializes in delivering affordable, high-quality generic medications worldwide. By sourcing directly from licensed, audited suppliers, we keep prices close to the manufacturer’s cost while ensuring each batch meets stringent pharmacopeial standards.

Our service offers:

• Affordability: Generic pricing eliminates the markup typical of brand-name products.
• Verified Quality: All tablets are shipped from pharmacies that hold valid licenses and undergo regular regulatory inspections.
• Discrete Delivery: Packages are labeled generically and dispatched in secure, tamper-evident packaging; express shipping arrives in about 7 days, while standard airmail takes roughly 3 weeks.
• International Access: We bridge gaps for patients in regions where Urso may be unavailable through local pharmacies or insurance formularies.

Operating as a pharmacy-broker service, we partner with overseas licensed pharmacies to provide a privacy-focused and reliable procurement channel. This model enables patients to obtain the medication they need without compromising confidentiality or incurring excessive costs.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Urso is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including any off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy offers access to Urso for individuals who may have limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who are seeking cost-effective generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, modifying, or stopping any medication.