Actigall

This page contains drug information on Actigall.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Actigall
the possible side effects of Actigall
what happens if you miss a dose of Actigall
what happens if you overdose with Actigall
the most important information about Actigall
how to use Actigall
other drugs that may affect Actigall
what to avoid while using Actigall
 
Generic Name: ursodiol (ER so dye all)
Brand Names: Actigall, Urso
 
What is the most important information I should know about actigall?
 •  Do not take over-the-counter antacids that contain aluminum, such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, and many others, unless your doctor approves. Aluminum may decrease the effects of this medication.
 •  For patients treating gallstones, you may have to take actigall for quite a long period of time before your gallstones are dissolved. Do not stop taking actigall without first talking to your doctor.

What is actigall?
 •  actigall decreases the amount of cholesterol in bile and bile stones by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. actigall 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. actigall also changes the make-up of the bile acid pool, creating an increase in bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
 •  actigall is used to treat small, noncalcified gallbladder stones in people who cannot undergo surgery, to prevent gallstone formation in obese patients who are undergoing rapid weight loss, and to treat people with primary biliary cirrhosis.
 •  actigall is not used to treat gallstones that are calcified.
 •  actigall may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking actigall?
 •  Before taking actigall, tell your doctor if you have
      · cholecystitis
      · biliary obstruction
      · gallstone pancreatitis or
      · biliary-gastrointestinal fistula.
 •  You may not be able to take actigall if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially heart, liver, or kidney disease.
 •  actigall is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take actigall without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
 •  It is not known whether actigall passes into breast milk. Do not take actigall without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take actigall?
 •  Take actigall exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water. The medication can be taken with meals unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
 •  For patients treating gallstones, you may have to take actigall for quite a long period of time before your gallstones are dissolved. Do not stop taking actigall without first talking to your doctor.
 •  It is important to take actigall regularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Store actigall at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of an actigall overdose are unknown, but diarrhea may be expected.

What should I avoid while taking actigall?
 •  Do not take over-the-counter antacids that contain aluminum, such as Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, and many others, unless your doctor approves. Aluminum may decrease the effects of this medication.

What are the possible side effects of actigall?
 •  Stop taking actigall and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives).
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take actigall and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · nausea or upset stomach,
      · diarrhea, or
      · headache.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect actigall?
 •  Cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), and aluminum-containing antacids such as Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox, and many others may decrease the amount of actigall that is absorbed into your body. Do not take these drugs while you are taking actigall.
 •  Other drugs, such as birth control pills, estrogens, and clofibrate (Atromid-S), may increase the amount of cholesterol in your body and therefore decrease the effects of actigall.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with actigall. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.