Actigall (Ursodeoxycholic acid)

Common use

Actigall is a bile acid — a substance your body naturally produces to help digest fats. What this medication does is reduce the amount of cholesterol your liver makes and how much your intestines absorb. It helps break down cholesterol that has formed into stones in your gallbladder. Think of it as slowly dissolving those little pebbles that can cause so much trouble.

Actigall is used to:

Treat small gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy)

Prevent gallstones in people on rapid-weight-loss diets — something that can sometimes catch people off guard when they lose weight too quickly

Treat primary biliary cirrhosis — a condition where the bile ducts in the liver slowly get damaged, leading to a build-up of bile

It’s important to know that Actigall does not work for gallstones that are calcified — those hard, calcium-coated stones that show up on X-rays. It only works on certain types of cholesterol stones.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication exactly as your doctor tells you. The dose is based on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. Taking more won’t make it work faster — it just increases the risk of side effects.

Use it regularly to get the full benefit. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day — maybe with your morning coffee or after your evening meal.

Precautions

Before starting Actigall, tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking — prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal. Also share your complete medical history, especially if you have:

Biliary tract problems (issues with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts)

Certain liver or pancreas diseases

If you’re allergic to ursodiol (the active ingredient) or to other bile acids, this medication is not for you.

Actigall can make you feel dizzy. Don’t drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs your full attention until you’re sure you can do it safely. And go easy on the alcohol — a zivania or Keo might be tempting, but limit it while you’re on this medication.

If you’re pregnant, this should only be used when clearly needed — have a proper chat with your doctor about the risks and benefits. It’s not known whether it passes into breast milk, so check with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Actigall will not dissolve:

Calcified cholesterol stones — stones that have become hard and calcium-coated

Radiopaque stones — stones visible on X-rays

Radiolucent bile pigment stones — a different type of gallstone

If you have any of these, Actigall won’t help. Also, if you have compelling reasons for gallbladder surgery — such as unremitting acute cholecystitis (severe gallbladder inflammation), cholangitis (bile duct infection), biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, or biliary-gastrointestinal fistula — then surgery, not medication, is the way to go.

And of course, if you have an allergy to bile acids, don’t take it.

Possible side effects

Common side effects include:

Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea

Dizziness

Back pain

Hair loss

Cough

If any of these persist or get worse, let your doctor know. Most people using this medication don’t have serious side effects — but if you notice anything unusual, speak up.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

Weakness

Swelling of the ankles or feet

Increased thirst or urination

Signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat)

It’s rare to have a serious allergic reaction, but seek immediate medical help if you notice rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Drug interactions

Actigall can interact with certain medications — meaning the effects of either drug can be increased, decreased, or altered. Pay special attention to:

Aluminum-based antacids — common heartburn remedies

Cholesterol-lowering medications — like cholestyramine, clofibrate, colestipol

Estrogens and oral contraceptives

Don’t start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — or take it at the same time as your next dose. Don’t double up.

Overdose

Don’t increase your dose or take this medication more often than your doctor says. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control centre or emergency room immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Online Pharmacy Info

Our online pharmacy, cydoctors.com, is based right here in Cyprus. If you’re dealing with gallstones or a liver condition, the last thing you need is to wait around for your medication. That’s why we deliver in the shortest time possible. We offer overnight delivery to Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos — so wherever you are on the island, you can get what you need quickly and without the hassle.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications. This does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We do not guarantee the reliability of this information and cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. We are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damage resulting from the use of information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.