Ursofalk – indications, composition, dosage

The bile ducts are a set of ducts in the human body used to drain bile from the liver and duodenum. Its excess is stored in the gallbladder. The bile ducts are exposed to numerous diseases, including mainly gallstones, abscesses, inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts, neoplasms and Caroli’s disease.

Ursofalk – composition and action

Ursofalk is one of the preparations often used in the treatment of biliary tract diseases. Its composition includes the active substance – ursodeoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring hydrophilic bile acid in bile. It works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol and reducing the amount of cholesterol secreted into the bile. Most likely, ursodeoxycholic acid also reduces cholesterol synthesis. As a result, excessive amounts of cholesterol remaining in the bile ducts are dissolved. In addition, this substance has a protective effect on the activity of cells that build liver tissue and regulates the proper course of immune processes. In the presence of liver disease, ursodeoxycholic acid replaces other bile acids with more toxic effects. When administered orally, it is absorbed very quickly, then it is conjugated with selected amino acids in the liver and excreted into the bile.

When is Ursofalk used?

Ursofalk is used in the following cases:

1. in order to dissolve cholesterol stones in the gallbladder, the diameter of which does not exceed 15 mm. and which are permeable to X-rays,
2. in the treatment of inflammation of the stomach caused by bile reflux,
3. in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver in its initial stage.

How to take Ursofalk?

Ursofalk is in the form of capsules intended to be taken orally. The number of capsules taken varies depending on the exact reason for its use; the details of the number of doses taken and the duration of the treatment are determined by the doctor.

Most often, Ursofalk is taken according to the following recommendations:

1. to dissolve cholesterol gallstones: 10 mg per kilogram body weight, 2-5 capsules a day, for a period of 6-24 months,
2. in the case of gastritis caused by bile reflux: 1 capsule once a day for a period of 1-10 days,
3. in the case of biliary cirrhosis: 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight, 2-6 capsules a day.

It is recommended that the capsules be taken in the evening before going to sleep. In the case of a larger number of capsules taken – the drug is taken in the morning and evening or additionally in the middle of the day. Capsules should be taken whole, without chewing, with a little water.

Ursofalk – precautions

Ursofalk is a prescription-only drug. As with most medications, it may be associated with side effects. The most common are:

1. gastrointestinal disorders,
2. loose stools
3. calcification of gallstones,
4. worsening of disease symptoms,
5. skin allergic reactions – mainly hives.

In addition, it is not advisable to use Ursofalk in the case of people who are allergic to any of its ingredients. Treatment with this preparation should not be undertaken in the case of:

1. acute cholecystitis,
2. acute cholangitis,
3. an obstructed bile duct or cystic duct,
4. presence of highly calcified or pigmented gallstones,
5. disturbed contractile function of the gallbladder,
6. frequent occurrence of biliary colic,
7. mechanical jaundice,
8. narrowing of the Vater nipple,
9. active peptic ulcer disease,
10. biliary gastrointestinal fistula,
11. long-term inflammation of the small and large intestines,
12. liver failure.

When starting treatment with Ursofalk, inform the doctor if the patient is taking one of the following drugs:

1. preparations lowering the level of lipids (Cholestyramine, Colestipol),
2. preparations that neutralize gastric juice,
3. Cyclosporine
4. Nitredypina,
5. Nifedipine,
6. Dapson.

Simultaneous intake of the above preparations with Ursofalka may negatively affect the level of their absorption.

It is worth noting that while taking Ursofalk, certain parameters of liver function should be monitored – first of all, the level of activity of the AST, ALT and GGT enzymes. Check-ups should be performed every 3 weeks during the first 4 months of treatment. At further stages of the therapy, it is recommended to perform check-ups every 3 months. Sometimes, radiological examinations are also performed to assess the effectiveness of Ursofalka treatment in the fight against bile deposits.

It is not recommended to use Ursofalk in the case of pregnant women and young mothers who are breastfeeding. Ursofalk does not affect the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery and equipment.