Buy Generic Urso Online

Generic Urso Information

Introduction

Urso is a medication whose active compound is Ursodiol (also spelled ursodeoxycholic acid). It belongs to the therapeutic groups Gastro Health and Cholesterol. In Hong Kong, Ursodiol is primarily prescribed to modify bile‑acid composition, thereby treating cholestatic liver diseases and preventing the formation of certain gallstones. The drug is manufactured by several international pharmaceutical companies and distributed in generic form under the name Urso. Besides its principal indication for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and gallstone dissolution, clinicians sometimes use Ursodiol off‑label for conditions such as intra‑hepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and certain forms of drug‑induced liver injury, when evidence supports a benefit.

What is Urso?

• Classification: Urso is a hydrophilic bile‑acid derivative classified as a cholagogue and cytoprotective agent.
• Active ingredient: The sole active ingredient is Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid), a naturally occurring secondary bile acid found in small amounts in human bile and in the bile of black‑bear species.
• Development and regulatory status: Ursodiol was first isolated in the 195s and received regulatory approval in the United States (FDA) in 1979 for dissolving cholesterol gallstones. The Hong Kong Department of Health has listed Ursodiol (generic or brand) on its approved Medicines List for liver‑related indications.
• Manufacturer: Several licensed manufacturers produce Urso, including Teva Pharmaceuticals and Mylan (now Viatris). The product is marketed as a generic alternative to brand‑name Ursodiol formulations such as Actigall and Ursofalk.

How Urso Works

Ursodiol’s therapeutic effect derives from three inter‑related mechanisms:

1. Alteration of bile‑acid pool: Ursodiol replaces more hydrophobic, potentially toxic bile acids (e.g., deoxycholic acid) with a hydrophilic bile acid. This reduces the detergent effect of bile on hepatocyte membranes, limiting cell injury.
2. Cholesterol solubilisation: In the gallbladder, Ursodiol increases the proportion of bile‑acid species that keep cholesterol dissolved, thereby preventing crystal nucleation and promoting the gradual dissolution of existing cholesterol gallstones.
3. Immunomodulation and anti‑apoptotic activity: Experimental data show that Ursodiol down‑regulates inflammatory cytokines and mitigates apoptosis of cholangiocytes, which is especially relevant in autoimmune cholestasis such as primary biliary cholangitis.

Pharmacokinetically, Ursodiol is rapidly absorbed (≈70 % bioavailability) after oral intake, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2 hours, and is extensively conjugated in the liver before being secreted into bile. The drug’s half‑life is about 3–5 hours, and steady‑state concentrations are achieved within 5 days of regular dosing. Renal excretion of conjugated metabolites accounts for most of the clearance; dose adjustment is generally unnecessary in mild-to‑moderate renal impairment.

Conditions Treated with Urso

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) – A chronic autoimmune cholestasis prevalent in women over 40. In Hong Kong, registry data estimate a prevalence of 1.2 cases per 100,000, and Ursodiol remains first‑line therapy because it slows disease progression and improves biochemical markers (alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin).
• Dissolution of Cholesterol Gallstones – Approximately 15 % of adult Hong Kong residents develop gallstones, with a high proportion being cholesterol‑rich. Ursodiol can reduce stone size and, when combined with a low‑fat diet, may eliminate stones ≤ 15 mm over 6–12 months.
• Intra‑hepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) – A reversible condition occurring in the third trimester; Ursodiol improves maternal pruritus and reduces fetal bile‑acid exposure, thereby lowering the risk of preterm birth.
• Drug‑induced Cholestasis – Limited evidence supports Ursodiol use when cholestasis is caused by certain antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clav. clavulanate) or oral contraceptives, aiming to hasten recovery of liver function tests.

These indications are supported by peer‑reviewed studies published in journals such as Hepatology and Gastroenterology, as well as guidelines from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Hong Kong Society of Gastroenterology.

Who is Urso For?

• Adults with confirmed PBC who have biochemical evidence of cholestasis (elevated alkaline phosphatase) and no contraindication to bile‑acid therapy.
• Patients with radiologically documented cholesterol gallstones that are ≤ 15 mm, asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, and who prefer a non‑surgical approach.
• Pregnant women diagnosed with ICP after the first trimester, provided obstetric care teams assess the risk‑benefit ratio.
• Individuals experiencing mild to moderate drug‑induced cholestasis where the offending agent cannot be discontinued immediately.

Urso is not appropriate for:

• Patients with complete biliary obstruction (e.g., choledocholithiasis requiring endoscopic removal).
• Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh class C) because the drug’s metabolism may be markedly reduced.
• Known hypersensitivity to Ursodiol or any excipients listed in the product label.
• Children and adolescents, as safety data are limited and most approvals are adult‑only.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Diarrhoea or loose stools – Often mild and transient; may be mitigated by taking the dose with food.
• Abdominal discomfort – Cramping or dyspepsia occurs in up to 10 % of users.
• Nausea – Usually resolves within the first two weeks of therapy.

Rare

• Rash or urticaria – Immunologic skin reactions reported in < 1 % of patients; discontinue if progressive.
• Elevated transaminases – In rare cases, Ursodiol may paradoxically increase liver enzymes; monitor hepatic panels at baseline and after 3 months.

Serious

• Hepatic decompensation – Extremely uncommon; patients with advanced cirrhosis should be closely followed.
• Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome) – Requires immediate medical attention and drug cessation.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Cholestyramine and other bile‑acid sequestrants – Bind Ursodiol in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing its absorption by up to 50 %. Administer these agents at least 4 hours apart.
• Cyclosporine – Concurrent use may increase Ursodiol plasma concentrations; monitor for hepatic toxicity.
• Oral contraceptives – Theoretical interaction via altered bile‑acid metabolism; no strong clinical evidence, but clinicians often counsel patients to report any new menstrual irregularities.

Patients should disclose all over‑the‑counter supplements, especially those containing vitamin E or antioxidants, as these may compound hepatoprotective effects but also alter laboratory interpretation.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for PBC: 13–15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses (e.g., 500 mg tablets taken twice daily).
• Gallstone dissolution: 10 mg/kg/day in divided doses, typically 300–600 mg tablets taken two to three times daily.
• ICP (pregnancy): 10–15 mg/kg/day, split into two doses; therapy usually continues until delivery.

Administration tips

• Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.
• Food does not significantly affect absorption, but taking the dose with meals may lessen gastrointestinal upset.

Missed dose

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose

• Clinical overdose is rare because the drug is well‑tolerated. Symptoms may include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and electrolyte imbalance. Management is supportive: ensure adequate hydration, monitor electrolytes, and seek medical attention promptly.

Precautions

• Avoid excessive alcohol while on Ursodiol, as alcohol can exacerbate cholestasis.
• Patients with gallstones should be advised against high‑fat meals that could worsen biliary colic.
• Renal function should be assessed before initiation in elderly patients, although dose modification is seldom required.

Buying Urso from Our Online Pharmacy

Urso can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service offers several advantages for patients seeking reliable access to this essential medication:

• Affordable pricing: We source Urso at near‑manufacturer cost, passing the savings to you without compromising quality.
• Verified quality: All batches are supplied by licensed overseas pharmacies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards; each shipment is accompanied by a certificate of analysis.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is dispatched via express courier (delivery within 7 days) or regular airmail (≈ 3 weeks), with real‑time tracking.
• Online‑only convenience: By operating as a pharmacy‑broker service, we can import medicines that are otherwise unavailable in local retail outlets, ensuring continuity of care for patients with limited pharmacy access or insurance coverage.

Our platform respects patient privacy; personal data is encrypted, and shipments do not reveal medication names on the outer package. The ordering process is straightforward, and dedicated support staff are available to answer product‑related queries.

FAQ

• **Can Urso be stored at room temperature?**
  Yes, Urso tablets should be kept at 15–30 °C, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme heat. Storing the medication in a bathroom cabinet is discouraged because humidity can degrade the active ingredient over time.

• **What does the packaging of Urso look like when ordered online?**
  Each bottle contains 30 tablets (500 mg each) and is wrapped in a tamper‑evident seal. The label displays the generic name “Ursodiol,” strength, expiry date, and batch number, while the external parcel shows only a nondisclosed identifier to protect privacy.

• **Is there a difference between Ursodiol formulations sold in the United States, Europe, and Asia?**
  The core active compound is identical, but excipients (e.g., fillers, binders) may vary to meet regional regulatory requirements. In Hong Kong, most generic products use hypoallergenic lactose‑free carriers, whereas some U.S. brands contain microcrystalline cellulose.

• **Can I travel internationally with Urso?**
  Yes, provided you carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter confirming medical necessity. For entry into countries with strict import rules, keep the medication in its original packaging and declare it if required by customs.

• **Does Urso have any impact on common drug‑testing panels?**
  Ursodiol is not a prohibited substance and does not appear on standard occupational or sports drug‑testing panels. However, its metabolites can be detected in specialized bile‑acid assays, which are rarely requested.

• **What are the main inactive ingredients in Urso tablets?**
  Typical inactive components include microcrystalline cellulose, calcium stearate, and magnesium stearate. Patients with rare hypersensitivity to these excipients should consult a pharmacist before use.

• **Are there specific warnings for Asian populations taking Urso?**
  Clinical trials have not demonstrated ethnic‑specific safety concerns. Nonetheless, individuals with a history of gallstone disease common in East Asian diets (high in cholesterol) may experience more pronounced therapeutic benefit.

• **How long does it usually take for gallstones to dissolve with Urso?**
  Dissolution is gradual; most patients see a measurable reduction in stone size after 6 months, with complete resolution possible after 12–24 months of consistent therapy, assuming adherence and a low‑fat diet.

• **What historical milestone led to the development of Ursodiol?**
  Ursodiol was first isolated from bear bile in the 195s, and its hepatoprotective properties were recognized during early studies of cholestatic liver disease, eventually leading to FDA approval in 1979 for gallstone dissolution.

• **Can Urso be used together with vitamin E supplements?**
  Vitamin E is often co‑prescribed in PBC for its antioxidant effect. No pharmacokinetic interaction is known, but clinicians monitor liver enzymes to ensure combined therapy does not mask adverse trends.

Glossary

Bile‑acid pool

The collection of different bile acids circulating in the liver and intestines that facilitate fat digestion and cholesterol excretion.

Cholagogue

A substance that promotes the flow of bile from the liver into the duodenum, helping to clear biliary obstruction.

Steatorrhea

Fatty, foul‑smelling stools that occur when bile‑acid secretion is insufficient to emulsify dietary fats.

Hepatoprotective

Describes a drug or agent that helps prevent damage to the liver cells (hepatocytes).

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Urso is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Urso for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.