Ursodiol

Introduction

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD
Written by Skyler Todd, PharmD
Updated on November 3, 2023

Ursodiol is a generic medication that’s prescribed for certain liver and gallbladder diseases. The brand-name versions of this drug are Actigall, Urso 250, and Urso Forte. The cost of ursodiol with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Ursodiol comes in these forms: oral tablet and oral capsule.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ursodiol to:

• prevent gallstones in adults with obesity who are losing weight quickly
• treat gallstones in adults as an alternative to surgery
• treat primary biliary cholangitis (also called primary biliary cirrhosis)

Read on to learn about ursodiol and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about ursodiol, including its uses, refer to this overview article.

Cost of Ursodiol

Like other medications, the cost of ursodiol can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use

To find out how much ursodiol costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the following section.

Coupons for ursodiol

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of ursodiol.  The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Insurance and other considerations for ursodiol

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of ursodiol. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for ursodiol. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• Insurance coverage. The cost of your doses will depend on your specific insurance plan. If you have questions about this process, contact your doctor or your insurance provider.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re taking/using ursodiol long term, your doctor may suggest a 90-day supply of the medication. This will have to be approved by your insurance company. Getting a 90-day supply could help lower the drug’s cost. It could also save you time having to make trips to your pharmacy.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Generics vs. brand names

Ursodiol is a generic medication. The brand-name versions are Actigall oral capsules, and Urso 250, Urso Forte oral tablets.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has prescribed ursodiol, but you’re interested in taking Actigall, Urso 250, or Urso Forte, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of ursodiol compares with its brand-name versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

Common questions about ursodiol and cost

Here are some common questions about ursodiol and their answers.

How much does ursodiol cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of ursodiol will depend on which pharmacy you use and the quantity you get. If you buy a generic or brand-name version and use any coupons. If you don’t have insurance, talk with your doctor or a pharmacist for options on how to pay for ursodiol.

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

This competition may help keep the costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor.

What to ask about ursodiol

This article provides cost information related to ursodiol. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for ursodiol.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Does ursodiol cost less if I use a coupon or my insurance?
• Are there alternative treatments that cost less than ursodiol?
• Am I eligible for a 90-day supply of ursodiol?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Ursodiol capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3da1c17a-00e9-49a2-9694-f6ee43af4626/spl-doc
• Ursodiol tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/be811c61-5f48-4b03-94b6-e6941b595621/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.