PBC Cholurso and rapid weight gain

[TOMOLLIE]

Hello I was taking Ursofalk after being diagnosed 4 months ago, dosage 750mg When picked up repeat prescription received another brand of urso called Cholurso. My Dr also increased dose to 1000mg even though my levels had dropped to 297 (previously 659) ...i instantly started to swell up - gained 4lb weight and stomach bloated so much looked pregnant also felt sick and dizzy and disconnected. Have stopped Cholurso totally until can get in to see Dr Has anyone one else stopped taking urso for my reason and if so are there side effects/dangers? Sorty for long post...

[emerich]

Hi Tomolie

I stopped urso after an allergic reaction to it, although I hadn't been taking it for long. I don't think you will have any problems if you stop until you can see your Dr. Are you able to speak to your gp on the phone before your appointment? The only effect would be your levels may rise again until you can maybe get back on ursofalk. Have a word with your chemist. I don't think the gp prescribes a brand, so maybe the chemist could supply you with your original brand instead if you ask them

Best wishes

[TOMOLLIE in reply to emerich]

Thank you for replying. I am going to speak to Dr as soon as possible next week to get sorted. I'm sure it is the change in the urso brand that caused problem and will ask them to state ursofalk on prescription this time!

[Oidra]

To get Ursofalk again, as you had no problems taking it before, your doctor has to write Ursofalk on your prescription otherwise chemists will give you their cheapest option. I had a problem when I was given a generic urso which I suppose was ok for some people but there was obviously something different about it that made me feel unwell and it may be the filler that is in it that makes the difference.

[Angel_b]

Hi Tomollie

Similar happened to me, when I was given a generic urso. I started on ursofaulk and after 3 months was given a different one. I put on a couple of lbs and became constipated. The doctor now puts ursofaulk on prescription and had no bother since. I started on 750 just to get used to it and then it was increased to 1000 which is the correct level for my weight.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

[TOMOLLIE in reply to Angel_b]

Thank you for your reply - you seem to have had exact same problem - I am going to call Dr to sort out tomorrow for sure!

[Angel_b in reply to TOMOLLIE]

It's worth it. I've now lost the extra weight. I found it took a while to settle but it's worth sticking with it. I've now had normal labs for 3 months - except for the alk phos, which I don't think will ever be completely normal.

Good luck

[TOMOLLIE in reply to Angel_b]

Thank you again

[Hidden]

Hello Tomollie.

I've just checked for you the ingredients of the 2 different tablets, the apparently new Cholurso (probably cheaper to the NHS - I'lll post the MIMS link about these tablets on that site) contain:- Maize starch, sodium laurilsulfate, povidone (E1201), colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate. Film-coat - Lecithin (Soya) (E322), polyethylene glycol (E1521), polyvinyl alcohol (El 203), talc (E553b), titanium dioxide (E171).

Whereas the Ursofalk contain:- Tablet core: magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, povidone K 25, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone (Type A), talc. Coating: talc, hypromellose and macrogol 6000.

Could be one or more of the ingredients that are causing problems.

If your prescription is written as a generic which is 'ursodeoxycholic acid' followed by the mgs and when to take a pharmacy can give you what they stock or what is the cheapest be it at the time a brand or generic. Your script would have to be written by brand name to enable you to receive that every time.

I had always had a generic script but when I was diagnosed late 2010 I started off with the brand Urdox (I don't take 250mg doses, I have 150mgs (take 600mgs daily). I had no problems after the few months of initial side-effects and then when Urdox was withdrawn I had to have script changed and got first a brand - Destolit of which I had no problems then when I next went I was given brown labelled pharmacy bottles that contained Ursogal (I asked for the patient info leaflet from pharmacy). I took these for the 3mths I had the tablets for but got terrible heartburn so much so that I went to speak to the GP and receive a script for Destolit every time. Some pharmacists do grumble due to them being more expensive than generics but I don't care, I only take the urso (have since diagnosis) and I have to pay a charge for the script, always have.

mims.co.uk/drugs/gastrointe...

[ritarobainapbc]

I started Ursodesoxicolic Acid in April and I ´ve gained weight and I feel my body has changed a lot. I do not have my own waist and my tummy is bloated. Need to take the URSO in the middle of the foods, otherwise I feel cramps and stomach discomforting NEVER-EVER in a empty stomach. On August 23rd, will have my first LFT`s after URSO, hope will be better. Even though I tolerate URSO it is an experience to take this medication I also have constipation and need to take extra fiber.

[Rockie]

Who use Ursofalk?. Just interested because I can now get it in South Africa. Have been on Ursotan for last 8years. Thought a switch might help for the dreaded itch. I have to pay for this expensive medication.

[Angel_b in reply to Rockie]

Hi Rockie.

I'm on Ursofaulk but still get the itch. Mine isn't too bad and only mildly irritating but it did get worse when I first went on it. Not sure how much better it would be compared to other brands.

Hope you find a solutions

[Rockie]

Angel b. Thanks for your reply. Will take it up with the dr

[gwillistexas]

I have been taking Urso 600 mg 2 x day since Aug 2. Was taken off Friday because of hives. Otherwise, I felt great.

[gwillistexas]

There are all kinds of side effects but my dr assured me his patients tolerate it very well. He said it had been prescribed more than 30 yrs. unfortunately I had allergic reaction.