Ursodeoxycholic Acid Medications

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a hydrophilic bile acid that decreases cholesterol in bile and stabilizes liver membranes. It treats gallstone dissolution and chronic liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis.

Actigall

Ursodeoxycholic Acid

$2.44 per pill

300mg

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About Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring, hydrophilic bile acid used primarily to treat cholestatic liver diseases. It is classified as a hepatoprotective agent that improves bile flow and alters the composition of bile acids, reducing the toxic effects of more hydrophobic species. In the United Kingdom and United States the drug received approval in the early -s for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and later the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore added it to the national formulary for PBC and for the dissolution of radiolucent gallstones. Common brand names include Urso, Actigall and Ursocoll, while generic ursodeoxycholic acid tablets are widely available through our online pharmacy. Off-label, clinicians sometimes prescribe it for primary sclerosing cholangitis or for cholestasis of pregnancy when standard therapies are insufficient. The medication works by protecting liver cells, stimulating bile secretion, and gradually dissolving cholesterol-rich gallstones, offering a disease-modifying option for patients with progressive bile

What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid?

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) belongs to the bile-acid class of drugs, specifically a secondary bile acid derived from ursolic acid in the bear bile but now produced synthetically for medical use. The HSA approved UDCA in 1999 for primary biliary cholangitis and for non-surgical dissolution of cholesterol gallstones, following earlier approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1997) and the European Medicines Agency (1998).

At the molecular level UDCA acts on the hepatobiliary system by several coordinated actions: it reduces the synthesis of toxic hydrophobic bile acids, stabilizes cholangiocyte membranes, and up-regulates the expression of canalicular transport proteins that promote bile secretion. By shifting the bile-acid pool toward a more hydrophilic composition, UDCA lessens cholestatic injury and fosters the gradual dissolution of cholesterol crystals within the gallbladder.

Both brand-name products such as Urso and Actigall and inexpensive generics containing the same active ingredient are stocked by our online pharmacy, ensuring that patients across Singapore can obtain the medication without long-wait pharmacy queues.

How Ursodeoxycholic Acid Works

Mechanism of Action

UDCA binds to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the G protein-coupled bile-acid receptor 1 (TGR5), signaling pathways that regulate bile-acid synthesis and transport. This binding decreases the activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in bile-acid production, thereby lowering the proportion of hydrophobic, cytotoxic bile acids. Concurrently, UDCA stabilizes the hepatocyte and cholangiocyte membranes, reducing apoptosis and inflammation.

Therapeutic Effects

By converting a hostile bile-acid environment into a gentler, more soluble mixture, UDCA improves bile flow (choleresis) and alleviates cholestasis. In patients with PBC, the drug slows disease progression, improves serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and delays the need for liver transplantation. In gallstone disease, UDCA gradually dissolves cholesterol stones, especially those smaller than 15 mm, making surgery unnecessary for a subset of patients.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials show biochemical improvement-most often a reduction in alkaline phosphatase-within 12 weeks of daily dosing, with maximal effects observed after 6-12 months of continuous therapy. The half-life of UDCA is approximately 3-5 hours, but its therapeutic impact persists as long as the altered bile-acid pool remains in place. Discontinuation typically leads to a gradual rebound of cholestasis within weeks.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Recommended by the HSA and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases as first-line therapy to improve liver biochemistry and delay disease progression.
Cholesterol Gallstone Dissolution: Indicated for patients with radiolucent gallstones who are unsuitable for surgery or prefer a medical approach; treatment is guided by stone size and gallbladder contractility.

Off-Label Uses

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): Small-scale studies suggest modest biochemical benefits, though the HSA has not granted formal approval.

Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Used when conventional ursodeoxycholic acid is unavailable, with careful monitoring of maternal liver enzymes and fetal outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy

A landmark trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (1997) demonstrated that 63 % of PBC patients receiving 13-15 mg/kg/day of UDCA achieved a ≥40 % reduction in alkaline phosphatase compared with 30 % on placebo. In a randomized gallstone study in Lancet (2002), 70 % of participants experienced complete stone clearance after a median of 12 months of UDCA therapy at 10 mg/kg/day.

Buying Ursodeoxycholic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to UDCA can be challenging when local pharmacies have limited stock or when insurance formularies impose strict restrictions. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap by providing direct, discreet delivery of both brand-name and generic formulations at competitive prices.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Urso - a well-known brand often priced higher.
Actigall - marketed primarily for gallstone dissolution.
Ursodex - generic equivalent offering up-to-70 % cost savings.

Through our platform, you can compare pricing instantly and select the most affordable option that meets your therapeutic needs.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, including compliance with WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. All shipments are verified for authenticity before dispatch.

Pricing & Access

Generic UDCA tablets are typically priced at SGD 15-20 for a 30-day supply, while brand-name products may range from SGD 45-60. Via our online service, repeat customers enjoy a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, reducing the financial burden of long-term therapy.

Discreet Delivery

Orders placed before 2 p.m. are processed the same day. Express shipping delivers within ~7 days, while standard shipping arrives in ~3 weeks. Every package is sealed in unmarked, tamper-evident material to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

UDCA is most commonly supplied as oral tablets in strengths of 150 mg, 300 mg, and 500 mg. Some markets also offer a 250 mg capsule. Liquid suspensions exist but are rarely stocked in Singapore.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 13-15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into two doses. For a 70-kg adult, this translates to roughly 900 mg-1 g daily (e.g., three 300 mg tablets).
Gallstone Dissolution: 10 mg/kg per day, similarly divided. Treatment may continue for 6-24 months depending on stone size and response.

These figures illustrate common clinical practice; the exact dose must be individualized by a qualified healthcare provider.

Administration Guidelines

UDCA tablets should be taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Swallow whole; crushing may affect dissolution rates. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is near, in which case skip the missed dose-do not double up.

A healthcare professional must determine the precise regimen based on liver function tests, gallbladder imaging, and overall health status.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea: Reported in >10 % of patients; usually mild and resolves with dose adjustment.
Pruritus: Occurs in 5-10 % of users, often linked to ongoing cholestasis rather than the drug itself.
Nausea and abdominal discomfort: Typically transient during the first weeks of therapy.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare (<1 %); manifested by abrupt elevation of transaminases and bilirubin, warranting immediate medical review.
Pulmonary toxicity: Extremely uncommon but documented as interstitial lung disease in prolonged high-dose regimens.

Contraindications

Complete biliary obstruction (e.g., post-cholecystectomy with no drainage).
Known hypersensitivity to UDCA or any excipients.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) can increase UDCA plasma concentrations; monitor liver enzymes.
Other cholestatic agents (e.g., cholestyramine) may bind UDCA in the gut, reducing its absorption-separate administration times by at least 2 hours.
Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine) may require dose adjustments due to altered bile-acid metabolism.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Limited data; UDCA is categorized as pregnancy-compatible for cholestasis when benefits outweigh risks, but should be prescribed under specialist supervision.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts excreted in milk; most clinicians consider it compatible if clinically needed.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic clearance may necessitate lower starting doses and closer monitoring of liver function.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose reductions are advisable; the drug is primarily eliminated via enterohepatic recirculation, so severe liver dysfunction can markedly increase exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ursodeoxycholic acid differ from chenodeoxycholic acid? UDCA is hydrophilic and protective, whereas chenodeoxycholic acid is more hydrophobic and can exacerbate cholestasis. The two have opposite effects on bile-acid composition and are not interchangeable.
How long does ursodeoxycholic acid take to work for primary biliary cholangitis? Biochemical improvements usually appear within 12 weeks, but meaningful clinical benefits-such as slowing disease progression-may require 6-12 months of continuous therapy.
Can I take ursodeoxycholic acid with other medications that affect the liver? Caution is advised with drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 or alter bile-acid transport. Always discuss current medications with a healthcare provider to avoid reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.
What should I do if I experience persistent diarrhea while on ursodeoxycholic acid? Increase fluid intake, consider a low-fat diet, and contact your clinician. Dose reduction or temporary discontinuation may be recommended if diarrhea interferes with daily activities.
Does taking ursodeoxycholic acid with food affect its absorption? Yes, food enhances absorption and reduces gastrointestinal side effects. The usual recommendation is to swallow tablets with a meal.
Are there foods I should avoid while on ursodeoxycholic acid? High-fat meals can increase bile-acid secretion, potentially worsening cholestasis symptoms. A balanced diet with moderate fat intake is advisable.
Is it safe to use ursodeoxycholic acid for gallstone dissolution in the long term? Long-term therapy (up to 24 months) is generally safe when liver function remains stable. Periodic ultrasound monitoring is essential to assess stone clearance and detect recurrence.
What monitoring is required during ursodeoxycholic acid therapy? Baseline liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase should be obtained, followed by repeat testing every 3-6 months. For gallstone treatment, imaging every 6 months helps gauge dissolution progress.
Can I purchase ursodeoxycholic acid without a prescription through your service? Via our online service, the medication is supplied only with a valid prescription from a licensed Singapore-based prescriber, ensuring appropriate clinical oversight.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing ursodeoxycholic acid?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Full medical history, especially liver disease, gallbladder status, and any prior surgeries.
- Specific symptoms you are experiencing (e.g., itching, fatigue, jaundice).
- Treatment goals and any concerns about side effects or drug interactions.

Disclaimer

The information provided about ursodeoxycholic acid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing ursodeoxycholic acid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing ursodeoxycholic acid.