Urso - Hair loss and weight gain...

[Willow4096]

Hi there. I am newly diagnosed with PBC and have been taking Urso for just over two months. I am seeing that my hair is starting to fall out and for no reason at all gained two pounds last week. I know these can be common side effects with Urso but does this time frame make sense to anyone? I am not sure what to expect or when. Thanks very much.

[butterflyEi]

Did you notice any hair loss before starting URSO? My hair loss turned out to be another autoimmune disease called Lichen Planopilaris. It may be worth asking for a referral to a dermatologist if it continues. I did put on weight at the beginning with URSO but managed to get back on top of it a couple of years ago. My weight increase was also down to a sedantary job and lifestyle.

We are all of us so different in how PBC impacts on us. If you have not already you might like to join the PBC Foundation's Thursday presentations with specialists where you can ask questions directly. Details can be found on their web site.

best wishes

[Willow4096 in reply to butterflyEi]

Interesting.... Thank you very much for your response.

[Watchingtv2]

I have been on Urso for about two months. I suffered from hair loss before. But m hair is that thick I don’t really see it. Until I wash it. But I think hair loss can be a side effect with Urso.

[Willow4096 in reply to Watchingtv2]

Thank you for responding. So you lost hair within the first two months of taking Urso?

[Watchingtv2 in reply to Willow4096]

I had hair loss before going on Urso. Was only diagnosed in December with PBC. x

[Kakey]

My weight jumps up and down with Urso. I'll put on 2lbs, loose 3, put on 3, loose them again etc etc. I've been on it since last spring and haven't put any overall weight on, apart from those blips.

I haven't had hair loss, happily, as I can't afford it. I've read that some people have had success using biotin, a hair growth supplement, but obviously you should check with your doctor.

[Willow4096 in reply to Kakey]

Thank you for that. I am happy to hear that nothing extreme has happened with your hair loss or weight. There is hope!

[Dibby1971]

Hello there. I was diagnosed with PBC 2 years ago and I take Urso. I also was worried about weight gain and decided to stop Urso (although I did tell my consultant while I was doing it) as I really thought my weight was going up on this medication. I had 6 months off it and nothing changed with my weight, just stayed the same really BUT my LFT got worse every month! ( Consultant suggested monthly bloods while off it) I like you asked for advice on here and was mostly advised it really is best to take your medication unless it really doesn’t suit. I’m glad I took the advice as I’m back on Urso and my LFT has improved a lot. Having the break proved it didn’t alter my weight, that was down to me and what I was putting in my mouth. My hair does come out more than normal but definitely not huge amounts and compared with what the consequences are for not taking Urso I now believe it really doesn’t matter. Try to stick with it if possible but if your really worried talk to your Consultant as I did. All the best to you and hope this has helped xxx Sheree

[cvc20]

Hi. I've been on Urso since last March, and have put on a couple of pounds but cannot shift them! I do think Urso increases your appetite.

[SimbaTutor]

I was diagnosed in 2014 and have been on urso since then. I experienced hair loss for months as my body adjusted to the meds. The hair loss stopped within a year and my natural curl slowly returned. I also struggled with weight gain that slowly stabilized as I moved to a better diet. On urso, it still took about 18 months for my ALP to return to the normal range where it has remained. Look at this as a long haul; the ups and downs of symptoms will likely stabilize for you in the next year. Blessings!