You should not use ursodiol if you have an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ursodiol if you are allergic to it, or if you have an obstruction in your liver or gallbladder.
To make sure ursodiol is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
you have been coughing up blood; or
you have gained weight rapidly, especially in your face and midsection.
FDA pregnancy category B. Ursodiol is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ursodiol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ursodiol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take  ursodiol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take the ursodiol tablet with food.
You may need to break a tablet in half to get your correct dose. Each tablet is scored in the middle and should break apart easily.
Swallow the tablet piece whole with a glass of water. A broken tablet can have a bitter taste.
Use ursodiol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To treat gallstones, you may have to take ursodiol for several months before your gallstones dissolve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Not all gallstones completely dissolve with ursodiol treatment, and you may develop new gallstones within 5 years after treatment. Talk to your doctor about your specific risks.
While using ursodiol, you may need gallbladder ultrasound exams, or frequent blood tests to check your liver function. Your doctor may also want to check your liver function every 6 months after you stop using ursodiol.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Tablets that are broken in half can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
If you split your tablets, keep them separate from any whole tablets.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
