Buy Actigall
Actigall
Actigall Properties
About Actigall
Actigall (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is a prescription medication approved in Singapore for the dissolution of small cholesterol-rich gallstones and for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (formerly primary biliary cirrhosis). Belonging to the class of bile-acid agents, it works by altering the composition of bile, thereby reducing the cholesterol saturation that drives stone formation and by protecting cholangiocytes from toxic bile acids. Although its primary role lies in digestive-system disorders, clinicians sometimes consider it for other liver-related conditions when standard therapies are insufficient.
What is Actigall?
Actigall is the brand name for the synthetic bile-acid derivative ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The drug is supplied as 300 mg oral tablets that are swallowed whole with water. First introduced in the United States in the early -s, the formulation received approval from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority after extensive clinical evaluation demonstrated its ability to dissolve radiolucent cholesterol gallstones and to improve biochemical markers in primary biliary cholangitis. The active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid found in small amounts in human bile and in the bile of certain bears; the synthetic version replicates its protective properties while providing a reliable, pharmaceutical-grade supply.
Because Actigall is a branded product, generic versions containing the same amount of UDCA are available from several reputable manufacturers. These generics are bioequivalent, offering a cost-effective alternative for patients who meet the same clinical criteria. In Singapore, Actigall is classified as a prescription-only medicine; it cannot be obtained over the counter.
How Actigall Works
Ursodeoxycholic acid exerts its therapeutic effect through three inter-related mechanisms:
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Cholesterol solubilisation - UDCA replaces more hydrophobic bile acids in the bile pool, decreasing the overall cholesterol-saturation index. By making bile less lithogenic, the drug encourages the gradual dissolution of existing cholesterol crystals and prevents the nucleation of new stones.
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Cytoprotective action - The molecule stabilises the phospholipid membrane of cholangiocytes, reducing the detergent effect of toxic bile acids such as deoxycholic acid. This protection limits cellular injury, attenuates inflammation, and promotes the regeneration of the biliary epithelium.
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Immunomodulation - In primary biliary cholangitis, UDCA modulates the autoimmune response by decreasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules on bile-duct cells and by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The net result is a slower progression of bile-duct loss and an improvement in liver-function tests.
Pharmacokinetically, oral UDCA is absorbed primarily in the distal small intestine. Peak plasma concentrations appear within 2 hours, and the drug exhibits a half-life of roughly 3.5 hours. It undergoes extensive enterohepatic recirculation, which prolongs its biliary exposure and enhances its therapeutic impact. Approximately 70 % of the dose is excreted unchanged in the feces, while the remainder is metabolised to glucuronide conjugates that are eliminated renally.
The combination of bile-acid replacement, membrane protection, and immune modulation explains why Actigall can both dissolve cholesterol gallstones and improve liver-enzyme profiles in cholestatic diseases.
Why Actigall is Used for Digestive Care Conditions
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Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones - Small, radiolucent stones (< 10 mm) that are composed mainly of cholesterol are susceptible to gradual dissolution when the bile-acid pool becomes less saturated. Clinical trials have shown that up to 50 % of patients achieve complete stone clearance after 6-12 months of daily 13-15 mg/kg dosing, avoiding the need for surgical cholecystectomy.
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Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) - PBC is characterised by progressive destruction of intra-hepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and eventual cirrhosis. By protecting cholangiocytes and dampening the autoimmune attack, UDCA improves serum alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. Guidelines from the European Association for the Study of the Liver recommend a target dose of 13-15 mg/kg per day, a regimen that translates to the 300 mg tablet taken two to three times daily for most adults.
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Prevention of gallstone recurrence after lithotripsy - When patients undergo extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, residual microscopic cholesterol crystals can act as a nidus for new stones. Continuing Actigall for several months reduces the recurrence rate by altering bile composition during the healing phase.
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Management of cholestasis after liver transplantation - Early post-transplant cholestasis can impair graft function. UDCA’s cytoprotective properties support bile-duct healing and have been associated with lower rates of graft-related complications in observational studies.
These indications share a common pathophysiology: an imbalance in bile-acid composition that either promotes stone formation or damages the biliary epithelium. By restoring a more hydrophilic bile-acid pool, Actigall directly addresses the underlying cause rather than merely treating symptoms.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Actigall
Beyond its approved indications, physicians have explored UDCA in several off-label contexts:
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Intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) - Small trials suggest that UDCA reduces maternal pruritus and improves fetal outcomes by lowering serum bile-acid concentrations. Although not approved for routine use in Singapore, the drug may be considered when standard antihistamines fail, provided that obstetric supervision is in place.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - Early-phase studies indicate modest improvements in liver-enzyme levels and histological steatosis scores when UDCA is combined with lifestyle modification. Larger randomized trials are ongoing to clarify its role.
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Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) - Some clinicians prescribe UDCA at lower doses to slow disease progression, but meta-analyses have produced mixed results, and high-dose regimens have been linked to adverse outcomes. Current consensus advises caution and restricts use to clinical-trial settings.
Off-label use only under qualified healthcare provider supervision.
Is Actigall Right for You?
Actigall is most appropriate for adults who have been diagnosed with small cholesterol gallstones or primary biliary cholangitis and who can adhere to a daily dosing schedule. Patients with severe hepatic impairment, known hypersensitivity to UDCA, or a history of cholestatic jaundice unrelated to PBC should avoid the medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women must discuss potential risks with their obstetrician, as safety data are limited.
Elderly patients generally tolerate the drug well, but dose adjustments may be needed if renal function is markedly reduced, because a small fraction of the metabolite is cleared renally. Individuals taking concomitant cholestyramine or colestipol should separate administration times by at least 1 hour, as these bile-acid sequestrants can diminish UDCA absorption.
If you have a history of gallstone-related complications, such as biliary colic or pancreatitis, Actigall may reduce the likelihood of future attacks by maintaining a less lithogenic bile composition. Conversely, patients with large, calcified stones are unlikely to benefit and may require surgical intervention instead.
Taking Actigall Effectively
The 300 mg tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. For gallstone dissolution, the typical regimen is 13-15 mg/kg per day, which often translates to one tablet taken two to three times daily with meals. When treating primary biliary cholangitis, the same weight-based dosing applies, but clinicians may adjust the frequency based on tolerability and liver-function test trends.
Food modestly enhances absorption, so taking the medication with breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps maintain steady plasma levels. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 4 hours of the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Doubling up is not recommended because higher peak concentrations can increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Adherence is critical: therapeutic benefit often emerges only after several weeks of continuous therapy. Setting daily alarms, using a pill-organiser, or linking the dose to a routine activity (e.g., after brushing teeth) can improve consistency. When travelling, keep the tablets in their original labelled container and store them at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most patients experience mild, transient side effects that reflect the drug’s impact on bile-acid metabolism. Diarrhoea and abdominal cramping are the most frequently reported complaints; they usually resolve within the first two weeks as the gastrointestinal tract adapts. Increasing fluid intake, consuming soluble fibre, and spacing the dose away from large fatty meals can alleviate these symptoms.
Nausea may occur, particularly at higher doses. Taking the tablet with a modest amount of food and avoiding very spicy or greasy dishes often reduces the sensation. If nausea persists beyond a week, contact your clinician for possible dose reduction.
Rarely, patients develop liver-enzyme elevations that exceed three times the upper limit of normal. While most of these changes are reversible upon dose adjustment, they warrant prompt medical evaluation. Signs of serious hepatic injury-jaundice, dark urine, or unexplained fatigue-should trigger immediate consultation, as they may indicate a need to discontinue the medication.
Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or facial swelling are uncommon but require urgent medical attention. In the event of anaphylaxis, seek emergency care without delay.
Overall, the safety profile of Actigall is favourable when used at recommended doses, and most adverse events are manageable with simple lifestyle modifications or brief dose adjustments.
Buying Actigall from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service?
Our platform connects you with licensed international pharmacies that stock Actigall at prices close to wholesale cost, making long-term therapy more affordable without compromising quality.
Quality & Safety
We partner exclusively with pharmacies that hold valid licences from recognized regulatory authorities and adhere to WHO-guided Good Manufacturing Practices. Every shipment undergoes verification to ensure authenticity, potency, and proper packaging before it leaves the source facility.
Pricing & Access
Because Actigall is a prescription-only product, many local outlets charge a premium for the brand tablet. Through our online pharmacy you can obtain the same 300 mg tablets at a fraction of the retail price, and we also offer comparable generic alternatives when appropriate. Repeat orders qualify for a 10 % discount, helping you maintain continuity of care without financial strain.
Discreet Delivery
All parcels are shipped in unmarked, bubble-wrapped packaging to protect the tablets and preserve privacy. Standard airmail typically arrives within three weeks, while express delivery reaches most Singapore addresses in about seven days. Tracking information is provided at each stage, so you can monitor progress from dispatch to doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take for gallstones to dissolve with Actigall? Dissolution is gradual; most studies report measurable reduction in stone size after 3 months, with complete clearance in roughly half of patients after 6-12 months of consistent therapy.
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Can I take Actigall if I have a history of liver transplant? Post-transplant cholestasis is an accepted off-label indication. Your transplant team will assess liver-function trends and may prescribe UDCA to support bile-duct healing, but the decision rests on individual risk-benefit analysis.
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Is it safe to use Actigall while pregnant? Data are limited, but small trials in intra-hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy suggest benefit. Use only under obstetric supervision, as the medication is not formally approved for routine pregnancy use.
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What should I do if I experience persistent diarrhoea? Increase fluid intake, consider a low-FODMAP diet, and discuss dose timing with your clinician. In some cases, a modest dose reduction can relieve gastrointestinal upset without sacrificing efficacy.
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Will Actigall interact with my cholesterol-lowering medication? UDCA does not significantly affect the metabolism of statins or fibrates. However, bile-acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine can reduce its absorption; separate the doses by at least one hour.
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Can I switch from the brand tablet to a generic version? Yes. Generic UDCA is bioequivalent and approved by the Health Sciences Authority. Discuss the switch with your prescriber to ensure the dosage remains consistent.
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How should I store Actigall at home? Keep the tablets in the original container, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. A standard kitchen cabinet at room temperature (15-30 °C) is suitable.
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Is there a maximum duration for taking Actigall? Treatment length depends on the indication. For gallstone dissolution, therapy continues until imaging confirms clearance, often up to 12 months. In primary biliary cholangitis, lifelong therapy is typical to maintain liver-function stability.
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What distinguishes Actigall from other bile-acid medications? Unlike chenodeoxycholic acid, UDCA is more hydrophilic, offering a gentler effect on the biliary epithelium and a lower risk of hepatotoxicity, which underpins its preferred status for chronic cholestatic diseases.
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Can I take Actigall with alcohol? Moderate alcohol consumption does not directly interfere with UDCA absorption, but excessive intake can exacerbate liver injury, especially in patients with underlying cholestasis. Limiting alcohol is advisable.
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Do I need regular blood tests while on Actigall? Monitoring liver-function tests every 3-6 months is standard practice to assess therapeutic response and detect any unexpected enzyme elevations early.
Glossary
- Bile-acid pool
- The collection of primary and secondary bile acids circulating between the liver, gallbladder, and intestine, which facilitates fat digestion and cholesterol homeostasis.
- Cholestasis
- A condition in which bile flow from the liver is impaired, leading to accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream and potential liver injury.
- Enterohepatic recirculation
- The process by which bile acids secreted into the intestine are reabsorbed and returned to the liver, allowing repeated use of the same molecules.
- Lithogenic
- Referring to a substance or environment that promotes the formation of stones, particularly cholesterol gallstones.
- Immunomodulation
- The alteration of immune system activity, either enhancing or suppressing specific pathways, to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Actigall is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Actigall 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.
