Ursobiac Tablet

Ursobiac 300 tablet contains ursodeoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring bile acid produced in the liver. This medication is primarily prescribed for treating liver-related disorders, including primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and cholesterol-based gallstones. It is occasionally used to manage liver conditions associated with cystic fibrosis.

The mechanism of action of the Ursobiac 300 tablet involves reducing cholesterol content in the bile. It should be swallowed whole after a meal, accompanied by a glass of milk or water. The dosage will depend on the condition being treated and your body weight.

Take it regularly for maximum benefit, for the duration prescribed (several months or longer), even if symptoms disappear. Common side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hair loss, itching, nausea, and rash. Not everyone experiences these side effects.

If you have concerns or if the side effects persist, inform your doctor. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts, experience frequent cramp-like pain in your upper abdomen, have been coughing up blood, or have gained weight rapidly. Ursobiac 300 tablets may interact with other medications, so inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking.

Women should discontinue hormonal birth control pills, as they can increase the production of gallstones. Ultrasound scans and frequent blood tests may be necessary to monitor your liver function during treatment.

Dosage

Overdose

The most common symptom of an overdose of Ursobiac 300 tablets is diarrhoea. Consult your doctor immediately if you have taken an excessive dose of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Ursobiac 300 tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Ursobiac 300 tablets improve liver function. It works as a dissolving agent, thereby reducing the cholesterol content in bile and controlling the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It is also known to control the synthesis of cholesterol and absorption from the intestine.

Directions for Use

• Ursobiac 300 tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It should be taken after having your meal. It is best to take it at a fixed time for optimal results.
• You should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Ursobiac Tablets during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the safety of Ursobiac Tablets in pregnancy. Hence, it is recommended not to use the same unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Ursobiac Tablets while breastfeeding?

The safety of Ursobiac Tablets is not established in breastfeeding women. Hence, it should not be used while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Ursobiac Tablets?

It is not expected that Ursobiac Tablet will affect your ability to drive but if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert, you should avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Ursobiac Tablets?

Although there is no known interaction with alcohol and Ursobiac Tablet, it is essential to consult your physician if you have a habit of regular drinking.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a history of liver disease or obstruction in bile passage, your doctor may ask you to do a liver function test regularly.
• You experience a persistent diarrhoea, your doctor may discontinue the therapy immediately.
• Women of childbearing age should use non-hormonal contraceptive measures (physical barrier) or low oestrogen oral contraceptive pills. Combination oral contraceptive pills should not be taken with Ursobiac.
• Your doctor may ask you for an ultrasound after six months of the treatment to check the therapeutic improvement.
• It would be best if you avoided a high cholesterol diet during the treatment as it may affect the effectiveness of Ursobiac.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to ursodeoxycholic acid or any ingredient of Ursobiac 300 tablets.
• If you have a stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding.
• If you have recently had surgery involving any part of your intestine.
• If you have a liver-related disorder and a non-functional gall bladder.
• If you are suffering from a liver or intestinal condition which affects the circulation of bile substances, such as a blockage of the bile duct.
• If you are suffering from inflammation/blockage of the gall bladder or biliary tract.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sticky stool

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Ursobiac 300 tablets may interact with other medications and provide an altered response to the treatment. Notify your doctor if you are undergoing any other treatments, over-the-counter medications (that you buy without a prescription) and herbal preparations. Inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Hormonal pills should not be used if you are on treatment with Ursobiac 300 tablets.
• Concomitant use of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as cholestyramine or colestipol, and certain antacids may reduce the efficacy of Ursobiac 300 tablets. So, it should be taken at least 2 hours apart.
• Other medicines that may affect the absorption of this tablet include charcoal, antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin, immunosuppressants like Ciclosporin, cholesterol-lowering medications like Atorvastatin, and Dapsone used as an anti-infective. Hence, it should not be used concomitantly.

Interactions with food items

Your doctor may preferably ask you to take Ursobiac 300 tablets after meals.

Storage and disposal

• Store Ursobiac 300 tablets in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Discard any unused and expired medicine properly. Do not flush it in the toilet or throw it into the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Ursobiac reduce raised liver enzymes?

No, it does not have an action against reducing increased liver enzymes.

Does high blood cholesterol level cause gallbladder stones?

High blood cholesterol levels can cause supersaturation of cholesterol crystals, which may eventually lead to gallstone formation.

What is Ursobiac Tablet used for?

• Ursobiac Tablet is used to dissolve gallbladder stones that are made of cholesterol in various liver-related disorders such as cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis.
• It is also used in liver dysfunction associated with cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system).

I'm a woman of childbearing age. What kind of birth control should I be using while on Ursobiac 300 tablet?

As hormonal birth control pills can increase the risk of gallstones, they may interfere with your treatment. For the best outcome, your doctor will likely advise you to use a non-hormonal birth control method, such as a physical barrier (e.g. condoms). If a hormonal option is required, they may recommend a low-oestrogen pill. Discuss your specific birth control needs with your doctor before starting Ursobiac 300 tablet.

What are the side effects of Ursobiac 300 tablet?

Diarrhoea is a common side effect of the Ursobiac 300 tablet. If it affects you, let your doctor know. They may change your dose or suggest a different time of day to take your medication to help manage this side effect. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If the diarrhoea is severe or ongoing, your doctor may need to stop the treatment as advised by your physician.