Urso and gallstones

[Cressy]

A recent ultrasound revealed possible gallstone blocking a bile duct. An MRCP was recommended and carried out a couple of weeks ago although more like an MRI as no contrast was administered. I now have an appointment in June but I'm not sure what for. My concern is from reading the Urso leaflet it states that you should not take Urso if you have gallstones but I have not been advised to stop.

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

a MRCP does not use dye.. an ERCP, however, does use contrast. The risk from the ERCP examinations is that they can cause pancreatitis in many cases. Were they able to remove the stone? Urso was originally made to treat gallstones - dissolving them. I don't see any reason why you would be asked to stop taking it. Have your numbers responded to Urso?

[Cressy in reply to DonnaBoll]

Thanks Donna. The letter I received explained that I would be fitted with a canula to facilitate the injection of dye. I had previously had an ultrasound which highlighted the gallstone and the MRCP was to confirm this.I have not been asked to stop taking Urso, I just noticed on the enclosed leaflet it says -

Do NOT take Ursofalk capsules if your doctor says you have calcified gallstones.

I will continue to take Urso until I can talk to someone.

[Candy12]

I have had gall stones a number of years, they’re classified as simple stones and I still take urso. I wouldn’t worry if you’ve not been told to stop them.

I’ve recently had the MRCP to look at my common bile duct after ultrasound report said it was enlarged, the thought was a blockage by a stone but everything was normal on MRCP. It’s good they check us out when the need arises.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Candy12]

Glad everything turned out to be 'ok' for you. You are so right about the need for scans and ultrasound testing on a regular basis.