Ursokem 150 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

Here is a detailed product description for URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET.

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET

• Name:
  • Common Name: Ursokem 150 MG Tablet
  • Brand Name: URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET by ALKEM LABORATORIES LTD.
• Composition:
  • Each tablet contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) 150 mg as the active ingredient.
• Uses:
  • URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat various liver-related conditions and gallstones.
  • It helps dissolve certain types of cholesterol-based gallstones and prevents their formation.
  • It is prescribed for Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease.
  • The medicine is also used to manage excess cholesterol in bile and liver diseases associated with cystic fibrosis.
  • It supports liver function, protects liver cells from toxic bile acids, and improves bile flow.
• Dosage and Administration:
  • The typical dosage is one tablet (150mg) once or twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional, based on the medical condition and body weight.
  • It should be swallowed whole with water or milk, preferably with or after food, to minimize stomach upset.
  • For gallstones, it is often recommended once daily at night.
  • Treatment duration can range from several months to years, and it's crucial to follow the doctor's prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
• Side Effects:
  • Common Side Effects: Abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, rash, dizziness, indigestion, weakness, hair loss, and itching. These are usually mild and temporary.
• Precautions:
  • Inform your doctor if you have allergies to Ursodeoxycholic Acid, stomach/intestinal ulcers or bleeding, a non-functional gallbladder, or bile duct obstruction.
  • Caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and during alcohol consumption, as it may increase drowsiness and liver damage.
  • Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended during treatment.
  • It may interact with antacids (containing aluminum hydroxide), bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine), estrogens (including oral contraceptives), and lipid-regulating agents (like clofibrate). A 2-4 hour gap should be maintained between URSOKEM and these medications.
• Storage:
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and below 30°C.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid. It is primarily used to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions.

Here are some frequently asked questions about URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET:

1. What is URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET used for?

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET is primarily used to dissolve certain types of cholesterol gallstones that are radiolucent and non-calcified. It is also prescribed to manage various liver-related disorders, including Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), which is a chronic liver disease, and liver dysfunction associated with cystic fibrosis in children aged 6 to 18 years.

2. How does URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET work?

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET, containing Ursodeoxycholic Acid, works by several mechanisms. It reduces the cholesterol content in bile by decreasing its absorption from the intestine and suppressing its synthesis by the liver. This action helps to gradually dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones. Additionally, it increases bile flow and protects liver cells from damage caused by toxic bile acids, thereby improving liver function. It also has immunomodulating effects.

3. What is the usual dosage of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET?

The dosage of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET depends on the condition being treated and your body weight, and it should always be taken as directed by your doctor. For gallstone dissolution, the typical dosage is around 8 to 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, usually divided into two to four doses. For Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), the dose might be between 13 to 15 mg per kg per day, also in divided doses. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water or milk, preferably after meals, to enhance absorption and reduce stomach upset.

4. What are the possible side effects of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hair loss or thinning, itching, and rash. Diarrhea can sometimes be managed by taking the medicine after an evening meal or by a dose reduction. If side effects persist or worsen, you should inform your doctor. Rarely, more severe side effects like severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice) can occur.

5. Is URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: There is limited information on the safety of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET during pregnancy. It is generally not recommended unless specifically advised by your doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Women of childbearing potential should use a reliable method of contraception, preferably non-hormonal, as hormonal contraceptives can promote gallstone formation. Breastfeeding: The safety of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET while breastfeeding has not been definitively established. While very low levels in breast milk mean adverse effects on the infant are unlikely, it should be used with caution and only if considered absolutely necessary by your doctor.

6. Can URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET can interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.

• Reduced efficacy: Hormonal contraceptives (like birth control pills), cholesterol-lowering medicines (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate), and some antacids containing aluminum hydroxide can reduce the effectiveness of URSOKEM. If antacids are necessary, take them at least 2-4 hours apart from URSOKEM.
• Altered absorption: Medicines like ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and dapsone may have reduced absorption. Ursokem may also increase the absorption of cyclosporine, requiring dose adjustments.

7. What precautions should be taken while using URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET?

Do not take URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET if you are allergic to ursodeoxycholic acid, have stomach or intestinal ulcers, a non-functional gallbladder, a bile duct blockage, or calcified gallstones (this medicine is for cholesterol stones). Inform your doctor if you have inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts, frequent upper abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, or certain chronic liver or kidney conditions. Regular monitoring of liver function and bilirubin levels is typically recommended during treatment. Avoid a high-cholesterol diet and alcohol consumption, as alcohol may increase drowsiness and liver damage.

8. What happens if a dose of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

9. How should URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET be stored?

URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. It is important to keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Discard any unused or expired medicine properly according to local guidelines.

10. Can URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET dissolve all types of gallstones?

No, URSOKEM 150 MG TABLET is primarily effective for dissolving cholesterol-based gallstones that are radiolucent (meaning they don't show up on X-rays) and non-calcified. It is not effective for pigment stones or calcified gallstones.