Ursodiol oral forms side effects: A detailed guide

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

• help prevent gallstones in adults who have rapidly lost weight
• dissolve gallstones in adults who cannot have surgery
• treat bile duct disease in adults

This article describes possible side effects of ursodiol oral forms. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for ursodiol. To learn more about ursodiol oral forms, including the drugs’ uses, dosages, and more, talk with your doctor.

Ursodiol oral forms are generic versions of the brand-name drugs Urso 250, Urso Forte, and Actigall.

More common side effects of ursodiol

Below are some of the more common side effects of ursodiol oral forms that occurred during the drugs’ studies. The more common side effects varied based on the condition being treated.

More common side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral capsule to help prevent gallstones include:

• flu-like symptoms
• back and muscle pain
• hair loss*
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*

More common side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral capsule to dissolve gallstones include:

• sore throat
• arthritis
• upset stomach
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*

More common side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral tablet to treat bile duct disease include:

• peptic ulcer (sore)
• skin rash
• esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ursodiol in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of ursodiol

Ursodiol may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral capsule to help prevent gallstones include:

• flu-like symptoms
• constipation
• back and muscle pain
• hair loss*
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*
• mild allergic reaction†

Mild side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral capsule to dissolve gallstones include:

• arthritis
• sore throat
• constipation
• upset stomach
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*
• mild allergic reaction†

Mild side effects reported in people taking ursodiol oral tablet to treat bile duct disease include:

• abdominal pain
• peptic ulcer (sore)
• skin rash
• esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea*
• nausea and vomiting*
• allergic reaction†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of ursodiol in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with ursodiol oral forms. But it wasn’t reported in the drugs’ studies. To learn about the drugs’ studies, see the prescribing information for ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet.

Ursodiol oral forms may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet.

Serious side effects of ursodiol

Ursodiol may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from ursodiol oral forms, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911, or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with ursodiol oral forms.

Serious side effects that occurred in studies of people taking ursodiol oral tablet include:

• increased level of creatinine (a measure of kidney function)
• increased blood sugar level
• decreased white blood cell level
• decreased platelet level
• severe allergic reaction*

Serious side effects were not reported in studies of people taking ursodiol oral capsule.*

* An allergic reaction is possible with ursodiol oral forms. But it wasn’t reported in the drugs’ studies. To learn about the drugs’ studies, see the prescribing information for ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet. For details about allergic reaction, see the “Side effects of ursodiol in detail” section below.

Common questions about side effects of ursodiol

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of ursodiol oral forms. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is weight gain a side effect of ursodiol?

No, weight gain was not a reported side effect in studies of ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet. Ursodiol oral capsules are approved to help prevent gallstones in people who have rapidly lost weight.

If you have concerns about your weight while taking ursodiol, talk with your doctor.

Does ursodiol cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with ursodiol oral forms. Specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time in studies.* Also, long lasting side effects after treatment ended weren’t reported.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with ursodiol.

* For details about these studies, see the prescribing information for ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet.

Coupon for ursodiol

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Ursodiol when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

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

Side effects of ursodiol in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of ursodiol oral forms.

Hair loss

In studies, hair loss was common in people taking ursodiol oral tablet. This side effect was usually mild.

With hair loss, you experience thinning of your hair. Symptoms may include:

• seeing more hair in your brush or comb
• finding a bald spot
• developing patches of scales on your scalp

Certain factors can increase the risk of hair loss with ursodiol oral tablet. These include not getting enough nutrients or having a vitamin deficiency. Rapid weight loss can also cause hair loss.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of hair loss, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ordering lab tests to check for vitamin deficiencies. They may also recommend using a gentle shampoo or avoiding heat tools and harsh styling products.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was common in people taking ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet in studies. This side effect was usually mild.

With diarrhea, you have frequent, loose stools. Symptoms may include:

• urgent need to pass a bowel movement
• abdominal pain or bloating
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Certain factors can increase the risk of diarrhea with ursodiol oral forms. These include eating foods high in sugar, dairy, or fat or drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of diarrhea, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend eating bland foods or avoiding greasy, spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting were common in people taking ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet in studies. This side effect was usually mild.

With nausea and vomiting, you experience an upset stomach. Symptoms may include:

• abdominal pain and bloating
• sweating
• cramping

In severe cases, vomiting can lead to dehydration (low fluid level).

Certain factors can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting with ursodiol oral forms. These include eating greasy, spicy food or large meals.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about nausea and vomiting, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend eating smaller, bland meals and sipping on cold beverages. They may also recommend avoiding exercise right after eating.

Allergic reaction

For some people, ursodiol oral forms can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of ursodiol oral capsule and oral tablet.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to ursodiol oral forms, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for ursodiol

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking ursodiol oral forms.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take ursodiol oral forms if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether ursodiol oral forms are a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking ursodiol oral forms, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• liver problems
• past allergic reaction to ursodiol or any of its ingredients

Ursodiol and pregnancy

Ursodiol oral capsules should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with ursodiol.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take ursodiol oral tablet during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They can discuss with you the potential risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy.

Ursodiol and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take ursodiol while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with ursodiol.

Ursodiol and alcohol

Ursodiol oral forms are not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with ursodiol oral forms.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of ursodiol oral forms. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Is my risk of hair loss greater the longer I take ursodiol?
• Does my risk of constipation depend on the dose of ursodiol I take?
• Do I have a higher risk of side effects from ursodiol than others?

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.