Actigall (Ursodiol)

Do's

• Take Actigall exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This includes following the dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.
• Swallow the capsule whole. 
• Take Actigall with food or a meal. This can help with absorption and minimize stomach upset.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This is especially important to prevent constipation, a potential side effect.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take. Actigall can interact with certain medications, disclose everything.
• Attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your progress and adjust the dosage if needed.

Don'ts

• Don't crush, chew, or open the capsule.
• Don't take more Actigall than prescribed. Taking too much can be dangerous and lead to side effects.
• Don't stop taking Actigall without talking to your healthcare provider. Even if you feel better, it's important to complete the prescribed course of treatment.
• Don't take Actigall if you are allergic to ursodeoxycholic acid (the active ingredient) or any other ingredients in the capsule.
• Don't take Actigall if you have acute cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder) or cholangitis (inflamed bile ducts).

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Hair loss
• Cough
• Painful urination.

Serious Side Effects:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Liver problems, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Signs of a new infection, including sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, or trouble swallowing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Actigall,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Don't take Actigall if you are allergic to ursodiol or any other ingredients in the medication.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any Medical history of:

• Certain gallbladder/bile duct problems like acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, or biliary-gastrointestinal fistula.
• Liver disease like ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), variceal bleeding (bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach), or hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver problems).

Actigall may cause dizziness, affecting activities requiring alertness like driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how Actigall affects you.

Actigall should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before taking it while pregnant.

Actigall passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking Actigall. Limit alcohol and marijuana use as they can worsen dizziness caused by Actigall.