Buy Generic Ursodeoxycholic Acid Online

Generic Ursodeoxycholic Acid Information

Introduction

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid used primarily to improve abnormal bile flow and to protect liver cells from toxic bile acids. In Hong Kong, UDCA is prescribed for a range of cholestatic liver disorders and for the prevention of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. The medication belongs to the “General health” group, reflecting its role in maintaining hepatic function rather than acting as an antimicrobial or antihypertensive agent. It is supplied by several international manufacturers, and the same active compound is present in both brand‑name and generic products.

What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid?

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is the generic version of Actigall (also marketed as Urso and Ursodiol) containing the same active compound Ursodeoxycholic Acid. It is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid originally isolated from the bile of the Chinese bear. Modern synthesis yields a pharmaceutical‑grade molecule that is chemically identical to the natural form. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. The drug is classified as a bile acid and is listed under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code A05AA02.

How Ursodeoxycholic Acid Works

UDCA exerts its therapeutic effect through three inter‑related mechanisms:

• Cholagogue activity: UDCA increases the secretion of bile by stimulating hepatocytes and the biliary epithelium, thereby enhancing the flow of bile from the liver to the intestine.
• Cytoprotective effect: It replaces more hydrophobic, potentially toxic bile acids (e.g., deoxycholic acid) in the bile pool, reducing the detergent damage to cholangiocytes and hepatocytes.
• Immunomodulation: UDCA modulates the expression of cytokines and reduces the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the liver, attenuating the progression of cholestatic injury.

These actions result in a measurable reduction in serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and aminotransferases within weeks of therapy. UDCA is absorbed in the distal ileum, undergoes enterohepatic recirculation, and is eliminated primarily via feces; its half‑life ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours, supporting once‑ or twice‑daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Ursodeoxycholic Acid

• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): UDCA is the first‑line therapy for PBC, improving liver biochemistry and delaying the need for transplantation. In Hong Kong, PBC affects approximately 1–2 % of patients with chronic liver disease, making UDCA a cornerstone of management.
• Gallstone Dissolution: For cholesterol‑rich, radiolucent gallstones ≤ 15 mm, UDCA can gradually dissolve stones, especially when surgery is contraindicated.
• Intra‑hepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): UDCA reduces maternal pruritus and serum bile acids, improving fetal outcomes. Although ICP prevalence in Hong Kong is lower than in Western populations, the drug remains part of guideline‑based care.
• Cystic Fibrosis‑Related Liver Disease (CFLD): UDCA is used off‑label to slow fibrosis progression in cystic fibrosis patients with cholestasis.
• Non‑alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) with cholestatic features: Emerging data suggest modest biochemical improvement, though UDCA is not yet a standard indication.

Who is Ursodeoxycholic Acid For?

• Adults diagnosed with PBC who have elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels but no decompensated cirrhosis.
• Patients with radiolucent cholesterol gallstones who cannot undergo cholecystectomy due to comorbidities or personal preference.
• Pregnant women experiencing ICP after confirmation of elevated serum bile acids (> 10 µmol/L).
• Individuals with cystic fibrosis showing early signs of liver involvement (elevated γ‑GT, ultrasound‑detected fibrosis).
• Patients with drug‑induced cholestasis where removal of the offending agent is incomplete and supportive therapy is required.

Contra‑indications include known hypersensitivity to UDCA, complete biliary obstruction, and severe hepatic insufficiency (Child‑Pugh class C) where bile flow cannot be restored.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: mild nausea, dyspepsia, or flatulence.
• Diarrhoea: usually self‑limited, occurs in up to 10 % of users.
• Headache: transient and non‑specific.

Rare

• Skin rash or pruritus: may indicate a mild hypersensitivity reaction.
• Elevated serum amylase: occasional reports in patients with concurrent pancreatic disease.

Serious

• Hepatic decompensation: rare, typically in patients with advanced cirrhosis who continue therapy despite worsening liver function.
• Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome): extremely uncommon but requires immediate discontinuation.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Ciclosporin: UDCA may increase ciclosporin plasma concentrations; monitoring is advised.
• Oral contraceptives: UDCA can alter bile acid metabolism, potentially affecting hormone levels; clinicians should assess efficacy.
• Statins: No clinically significant interaction, but routine liver‑function monitoring remains prudent.
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium: May reduce UDCA absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours is recommended.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for PBC: 13–15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into two doses (e.g., 250 mg tablets taken twice daily).
• Gallstone dissolution: 10–15 mg/kg per day, usually three times daily, continued for 6–12 months with periodic imaging.
• ICP: 10–15 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses, until delivery or resolution of symptoms.

Missed dose: Take the forgotten dose as soon as remembered, unless the next scheduled dose is within 4 hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose: Symptoms may include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, or mild hepatic enzyme elevation. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care is the mainstay.

Precautions:

• Take UDCA with meals to enhance absorption.
• Avoid excessive alcohol, as it may worsen cholestasis.
• Patients with renal impairment do not require dose adjustment but should monitor fluid status.
• No known effect on glucose metabolism; diabetics can continue usual therapy.

Buying Ursodeoxycholic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is readily available from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the generic product from licensed overseas manufacturers that meet International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) quality standards. Key advantages include:

• Affordable pricing: Our cost structure reflects near‑manufacturer pricing, providing a lower out‑of‑pocket expense compared with local branded alternatives.
• Verified quality: Each batch undergoes third‑party testing for potency, purity, and sterility before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is shipped via express courier (typically 5–7 working days) or regular airmail (approximately 2–3 weeks), with tracking available for all orders.
• Online‑only access: For patients who face limited pharmacy stock or who prefer a private, convenient purchasing channel, our service bridges the gap between international supply and local demand.

We operate as a pharmacy broker service, collaborating with overseas licensed pharmacies and accredited suppliers. This model enables a discreet service that respects patient privacy while ensuring regulatory compliance for personal importation under Hong Kong customs guidelines.

FAQ

• Is Ursodeoxycholic Acid available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes, UDCA is marketed under brand names such as Actigall and Urso, as well as generic versions that contain the identical active molecule. Generic products are typically less expensive while offering the same therapeutic effect.

• What storage conditions are recommended for Ursodeoxycholic Acid tablets?
  Store the tablets at room temperature (15‑30 °C), protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Do not refrigerate unless the packaging specifically states otherwise.

• Can I travel internationally with Ursodeoxycholic Acid, and are there any customs restrictions?
  UDCA is classified as a prescription‑only medication in most jurisdictions. Carry the original packaging, a copy of the prescription, and a letter from a licensed clinician if possible. Hong Kong permits personal import of up to a 3‑month supply for personal use, provided documentation is available.

• Do the inactive ingredients differ between regions (e.g., Europe vs. Asia)?
  While the active ingredient remains constant, excipients such as lactose, magnesium stearate, or microcrystalline cellulose may vary by manufacturer and region. Patients with specific allergies should review the ingredient list supplied with each batch.

• How long does it typically take for liver function tests to improve after starting UDCA?
  Biochemical improvement, particularly reductions in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin, is often observed within 8–12 weeks of consistent therapy. Full clinical response may require 6–12 months, depending on disease severity.

• Is there any evidence that UDCA reduces the risk of liver cancer in chronic liver disease?
  Long‑term studies in patients with primary biliary cholangitis suggest a modest reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, likely related to improved cholestasis control. However, UDCA is not approved as a chemopreventive agent, and surveillance remains essential.

• Can UDCA be taken together with herbal supplements such as milk thistle?
  No major pharmacokinetic interaction has been documented, but both agents influence liver metabolism. Patients should discuss any supplement use with their healthcare provider to avoid unexpected effects on liver enzymes.

• Why does UDCA sometimes cause diarrhoea, and how can it be managed?
  UDCA stimulates bile flow, which can increase intestinal motility and lead to loose stools. Taking the medication with food, splitting the dose, or using a probiotic may mitigate symptoms. Persistent diarrhoea warrants medical review.

• Are there specific warnings for patients of Asian ethnicity?
  Pharmacogenomic studies have not identified ethnicity‑specific safety concerns for UDCA. Nevertheless, clinicians in Hong Kong monitor for higher baseline rates of gallstone disease and adjust dosing accordingly.

• What packaging does UDNA (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) arrive in when ordered from our online pharmacy?
  The product is delivered in sealed, tamper‑evident bottles containing 30, 60, or 90 tablets, each labeled with the batch number, expiry date, and a QR code for verification. Discreet outer packaging ensures privacy during shipping.

Glossary

Cholestasis

A condition where bile flow from the liver is reduced or blocked, leading to accumulation of bile acids in the bloodstream.

Hydrophilic bile acid

A bile acid that is water‑soluble, such as UDCA, which is less toxic to liver cells compared with hydrophobic bile acids.

Enterohepatic recirculation

The process by which bile acids released into the intestine are re‑absorbed and returned to the liver, allowing repeated use of the same molecule.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

An enzyme measured in blood tests; elevated levels often indicate bile duct obstruction or cholestatic liver disease.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Ursodeoxycholic Acid 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 Ursodeoxycholic Acid 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.