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Stener/Ursodeoxycholic Acid is used for the treatment of Dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Prevention of gallstone formation in obese patients experiencing rapid weight loss
Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is a bile acid medication commonly used to treat gallstone problems. Gallstones can lead to various symptoms such as jaundice, pain, and inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder. They form when bile, typically a liquid, hardens in the gallbladder, often due to calcium deposits.
It’s crucial to take Ursodeoxycholic Acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage will depend on the severity of your condition, and your doctor will typically recommend taking the medication at bedtime, either daily or as directed. It’s usually best to take the medication after a meal or with a light snack to enhance its effectiveness.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid should not be used if you have certain types of gallstones, such as cholesterol, radiopaque, or bile pigment stones, or if the stones are larger than 20 mm in diameter. Additionally, individuals allergic to bile acids should avoid using this medication.
Gallbladder stone dissolution with Ursodeoxycholic Acid may require several months of therapy. It’s important to note that complete dissolution may not always occur, and recurrence of stones within five years has been observed in 50% of patients. Your doctor may recommend continuing the medication for one to three months after the stone is dissolved.
Regular blood work will be necessary to monitor the effects of the medication. Additionally, ultrasound imaging may be conducted at six-month intervals during the first year of therapy to assess progress. If you experience persistent symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or jaundice, it’s important to report them to your doctor promptly.
The typical dosage of Ursodeoxycholic Acid is 8-10 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-3 doses. However, its use beyond 24 months has not been established, and approximately 30% of patients may experience stone recurrence after dissolution.
Always consult with an Internal Medicine Specialist or your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen.
