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Urso
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About Urso
Urso is a generic formulation of ursodiol, a bile-acid medication approved for the treatment of certain liver and gallbladder disorders. In Singapore, Urso is prescribed to dissolve small cholesterol gallstones, manage primary biliary cholangitis, and support liver function after certain surgical procedures. Available in 150 mg and 300 mg tablets, this medication works by altering the composition of bile, reducing the cholesterol content that can form stones, and protecting liver cells from toxic bile acids. Understanding how Urso operates and when it is appropriate can help patients make informed decisions about their digestive health.
What is Generic Urso (Ursodiol)?
Generic Urso (Ursodiol) belongs to the class of bile-acid therapeutics. It is marketed in Singapore as a prescription-only medication, reflecting its role in managing specific hepatic and biliary conditions. Ursodiol is the active ingredient; it is chemically identical to the naturally occurring bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid found in small quantities in human bile. The drug is supplied as oral tablets of 150 mg and 300 mg strengths, allowing physicians to tailor dosing to the severity of the condition and the patient’s body weight. While several branded versions exist globally, Generic Urso offers the same clinical efficacy at a lower cost, thanks to bioequivalence standards that ensure identical absorption and therapeutic effect.
How Urso Works
Urso exerts its therapeutic effect through three interconnected mechanisms. First, it reduces the proportion of cholesterol in bile by decreasing hepatic cholesterol secretion and increasing its dissolution, making the bile less prone to stone formation. Second, Urso protects cholangiocytes (bile-duct cells) by replacing more toxic bile acids with a gentler, hydrophilic pool, thereby reducing inflammation and cellular injury. Third, the drug promotes the gradual dissolution of existing cholesterol gallstones by altering bile composition, allowing the stones to shrink over weeks to months. Pharmacokinetically, Urso is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours, and undergoes extensive enterohepatic recirculation, which sustains its action. The medication is metabolized primarily by conjugation with glycine or taurine and is excreted in the feces, with minimal renal elimination.
Why Urso is Used for Digestive Health Conditions
- Dissolution of Cholesterol Gallstones - By lowering cholesterol saturation in bile, Urso gradually shrinks small gallstones, offering a non-surgical alternative for patients who are poor surgical candidates or prefer medical management.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) - In this autoimmune liver disease, Urso improves bile flow, reduces serum alkaline phosphatase, and slows disease progression, making it a first-line therapy in most guidelines.
- Post-Cholecystectomy Bile-Acid Diarrhea - After gallbladder removal, altered bile-acid dynamics can cause diarrhea; Urso’s ability to convert bile acids to a less irritant form helps alleviate this symptom.
- Prevention of Gallstone Recurrence - Following successful stone dissolution, continued low-dose Urso can maintain a favorable bile composition, decreasing the risk of stone reformation.
In each of these scenarios, the drug’s mechanism directly addresses the pathophysiology-whether it is reducing cholesterol supersaturation, protecting bile-duct epithelium, or normalising bile-acid pools-thereby delivering measurable clinical benefit. Compared with other biliary agents, Urso offers a well-characterised safety profile and a clear evidence base supporting its use.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Urso
Research has explored Urso for several off-label indications, though regulatory approval in Singapore remains limited. Small-scale trials suggest potential benefits in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis, but larger randomized studies are still pending. Preliminary data also indicate a role in improving outcomes after liver transplantation, where Ursodiol may reduce cholestasis and graft injury. Importantly, these uses are not approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and should only be considered under the direct supervision of a qualified hepatologist.
Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Is Urso Right for You?
Urso is most suitable for adults with confirmed cholesterol gallstones, a diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis, or bile-acid related diarrhea following gallbladder removal. It is generally safe for patients without significant hepatic impairment; however, dose adjustments may be required in severe liver disease because metabolism is hepatic. Pregnant or nursing women should use Urso only if the potential benefit justifies the risk, as animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects but human data are limited. Elderly patients may tolerate the medication well, but clinicians often start with the lower 150 mg dose to monitor tolerance. Contra-indications include known hypersensitivity to ursodiol and complete biliary obstruction, where stone dissolution would be ineffective.
Taking Urso Effectively
- Timing: Take Urso with a meal or snack to enhance absorption and minimise gastrointestinal upset.
- Food Interactions: High-fat meals can modestly increase absorption; a consistent dietary pattern helps maintain stable drug levels.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose-then skip the missed one and continue the regular schedule.
- Travel: Carry a sufficient supply, as the medication may not be readily available abroad; keep tablets in their original packaging to avoid customs issues.
- Lifestyle Integration: Maintain a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, as this reinforces Urso’s stone-dissolving action and supports overall liver health.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most patients experience mild side effects that resolve with continued therapy. Common complaints include:
- Diarrhea or Constipation: These gastrointestinal changes stem from altered bile-acid composition. Increasing fluid intake, consuming soluble fiber, and adjusting the dose (e.g., switching from 300 mg to 150 mg) often alleviate symptoms.
- Abdominal Discomfort: A low-fat diet and taking the tablet with food can reduce cramps.
- Rash or Itching: Occasionally, a hypersensitivity reaction occurs; discontinue Urso and seek medical attention if the rash spreads or is accompanied by swelling.
Rare but serious events, such as elevated liver enzymes or cholestatic hepatitis, require immediate evaluation. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they notice jaundice, dark urine, or persistent fatigue, as these may signal hepatic toxicity.
Buying Urso from Our Online Pharmacy
Purchasing Urso through our online pharmacy simplifies access to a high-quality, prescription-only medication without the delays often encountered at brick-and-brick stores.
Why Choose Our Service?
Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who face limited local stock or insurance restrictions, offering a discreet and reliable channel to obtain Urso promptly.
Quality & Safety
We partner with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to stringent WHO-recognized manufacturing standards, ensuring each tablet meets the same purity and potency as locally sourced products.
Pricing & Access
Generic Urso is priced competitively, delivering up to 40 % savings compared with branded alternatives. Loyal customers enjoy a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy affordable.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are shipped in unmarked packaging, typically arriving via express service in ~7 days or standard delivery within ~3 weeks. All shipments include a tracking number for real-time status updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take for Urso to dissolve gallstones? Clinical studies report measurable stone reduction after 6-12 months of daily therapy, though complete dissolution may require up to 24 months depending on stone size and composition.
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Can Urso be taken with other liver medications? Urso has a low potential for drug-drug interactions because it is not metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system. Nevertheless, clinicians often review concurrent agents such as statins or anticoagulants to avoid rare additive effects.
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Is it safe to use Urso while following a low-cholesterol diet? Yes; dietary cholesterol restriction complements Urso’s mechanism by further decreasing bile-cholesterol saturation, potentially accelerating stone dissolution.
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What distinguishes the 150 mg from the 300 mg tablet? The two strengths allow physicians to personalise dosing: a typical regimen for gallstone dissolution starts at 300 mg twice daily, whereas the 150 mg tablet is useful for maintenance or for patients with mild liver disease.
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Does Urso improve liver enzyme abnormalities in PBC? In primary biliary cholangitis, Urso consistently lowers alkaline phosphatase and may modestly improve bilirubin levels, reflecting better bile flow and reduced cholestasis.
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Can Urso prevent gallstone formation after rapid weight loss? Rapid weight loss can increase biliary cholesterol supersaturation. While Urso is not formally approved for prophylaxis, some clinicians prescribe it off-label in high-risk patients to mitigate stone formation.
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Are there any herbal or natural alternatives to Urso? Certain plant sterols and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy bile composition, but they lack the robust clinical evidence that ursodiol possesses for stone dissolution and PBC management.
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What should I do if I experience a rash while on Urso? Discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical evaluation; a rash may indicate hypersensitivity, and alternative therapies should be considered.
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Is Urso covered by Singapore’s MediShield Life? As a prescription medication, Urso may be subsidised under the Chronic Disease Management Programme for eligible patients with PBC, but coverage varies. Verify with your insurer or consult your pharmacist.
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How does Urso compare to other bile-acid therapies like chenodeoxycholic acid? Ursodiol is more hydrophilic and better tolerated than chenodeoxycholic acid, which has a higher incidence of severe hepatotoxicity. Consequently, Urso is preferred as first-line therapy for most biliary disorders.
Glossary
- Bile-Acid Pool
- The mixture of bile acids secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, essential for fat digestion and cholesterol homeostasis.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
- An autoimmune disease characterized by progressive destruction of the small bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and liver fibrosis.
- Enterohepatic Recirculation
- The process by which bile acids released into the intestine are reabsorbed and returned to the liver, prolonging their therapeutic effect.
- Cholesterol Supersaturation
- A condition where bile contains more cholesterol than can be solubilised, predisposing to gallstone formation.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Urso 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 Urso 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.
