Ursodiol Tabs - 500 mgs.: I just got my... - PBC Foundation

PBC Foundation

9,484 members8,376 posts

Ursodiol Tabs - 500 mgs.

rene_g profile image
8 Replies

I just got my prescription refilled and they have switched me to another manufacturer. Have any of you had any experience with Ursodiol Tabs 500 mgs. manufactured by Actavis?

I hate changing brands! I remember reading somewhere on here about never using Lannett brand, but couldn't find that post.

Thanks for your feedback!

Written by
rene_g profile image
rene_g
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
exy21 profile image
exy21

Hello I had awful side effects with other brands than the original urso that it was put in my notes not to give me anything other than ursofalk. Others seem to be able to tolerate urso well.

dollydaydreams profile image
dollydaydreams in reply toexy21

Same here exy21, i only take ursofaulk branded as well, both pharmacy and GP are aware that if they give me any other i will give them straight back

Hello rene_g.

I think you might be in another country to the UK? I can only say how things are in the UK and my experiences with different pharmaceutical companies and the urso.

I originally started on URDOX 300mgs at diagnosis Dec 2010. I had a few initial side-effects (heartburn, bit of bloating and I did think the itch got that bit worse) but within 3 months it had all settled. I did well with my bloodwork taking these and then just over 2 years ago the 300mgs I had been taking were recalled due to some manufacturing production and they have so far not been reinstated.

I was given the usual prescription written as 'ursodeoxycholic acid' with a new mgs as no other 300mgs on the market so had to accept 150mgs (of which I take 600mgs daily). Given the prescription was written generically and not by a specific brand this means that a pharmacist can give a patient any urso branded or otherwise. I was given Destolit 150mgs (a brand) and didn't have problems with these but within a few months I was then given pharmacy labelled brown bottles with the generic name and mgs and they were not by the same manufacturer. I asked for a copy of the patient information leaflet from the pharmacy even though I knew as the white tablets were different to Destolit. I asked and it was explained about the prescription and how written.

I started to take the generics but suffered dreadful heartburn that was still persisting when the 90 days supply was coming to an end. So much so I returned to my GP and asked for the brand name Destolit to be on the prescription after explaining that I was suffering badly with the generics. It is more than likely the fillers that are used that can cause problems as opposed to the active ingredient which is the same urso in all the formulations.

If you are encountering any problems with the tablets then I would certainly raise the issue with your doctor but I think that unless you start taking the tablets then you won't know if there is any difference. Could well be that there isn't. I know on this site some state certain brands but I've also been reading that odd posters who take the ones I currently have have experienced certain side-effects and vice-versa with others. I go with the bloodwork myself and if I'm not experiencing any unwanted problems on taking for awhile.

I know the one thing I have found quite bizarre since being diagnosed with PBC almost 5yrs ago now and the fact that pre-2010 I never took any tablets for certain periods of time (even paracetamol in any form I rarely took), is that it appears there is no one manufacturer of the urso that supplies certain mgs. I was prescribed mine that worked into 150mg multiples and I think I am right in saying that the Ursofalk mentioned on the first poster exy21 is in 250mg multiples (and I believe they also do a 500mgs).

PCBnPBC profile image
PCBnPBC

just about to collect my prescription (been off them for 11 months since transplant Nov 2014,) now have Ischemic Cholangiopathy and have been put back on them..... here we go again.........second transplant is looming

liver-bird profile image
liver-bird in reply toPCBnPBC

Thinking of you and hoping next transplant does the trick. Let us know how you get on. Diane

Calogia profile image
Calogia

Mine is manufactured by Glenmark.

rene_g profile image
rene_g

Thanks so much for all your replies. I live in the United States. I had requested that they only use the manufacturer PAR as that is the one that I have used since the beginning with no issues. But then they sent me the prescription using Activas. I could try them, but wonder if it's worth putting myself through possible bad reactions. I think I will just call my doctor and ask them to call in the prescription as I had requested it originally with a notation that only PAR is to be used for mine.

This is an awesome place to come for help! You all are so sweet to answer and it really helps someone that is new to all of this.

dollydaydreams profile image
dollydaydreams

Hi Again, if you have already had your script filled why not try them for say a week or so, you never know they may make you feel better or no different than the other ones, It just seems a shame if you have paid for them just to throw them away as the Pharmacy can't take them back to reissue ( well not in the UK at least) anything we take back is thrown away ( or so we are told :o))))

XX

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Ursodiol

Hi. Has anyone experienced problems with chemists getting your urso prescription? I have about 4...

Ursodiol

Is it alright to take all three of my ursodiol at once? If so, when is the best time of day?
Sissymcc profile image

Ursodiol prices

I live in the US. Urso is not covered by my medical insurance, because it is not considered...
iagra profile image

Generic Ursodiol brands

Hello everyone, I've been taking ursodiol for 8 years, since diagnoses in September 2016. All...
iagra profile image

Started Ursodiol yesterday

Just started my Urso. I picked it up and the price was a bit of a surprise. So I asked the...
Nanajo1962 profile image

Moderation team

See all
PBCCheryll profile image
PBCCheryllAdministrator
janethomas profile image
janethomasModerator
Cupcake1971_ profile image
Cupcake1971_Moderator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.