Generic Urso

Common use

Urso is a bile acid used to prevent and to treat gallstones. It dissolves the cholesterol that makes gallstones and inhibits production of cholesterol in the liver and absorption in the intestines. It helps to decrease the formation of gallstones. Also the medicine can reduce the amount of other bile acids that can be harmful to liver.



Dosage and directions

Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take Urso with meal or food. You shouldn't take an antacid containing aluminum or a bile acid within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Urso.



Precautions

Before take Urso discuss with your doctor if you pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding, if you take any prescribed or not prescribed medicine, herbal product or dietary supplement, if you have any allergy to food, medicine, and other substances, if you have obstruction or inflammation of the bile duct, inflammation of the gallbladder, inflammation of the pancreas, or bleeding from the veins in the esophagus.



Contraindications

You should not take this medicine if you have allergy to any ingredient of Urso.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects are diarrhea, gas, constipation, dry skin, headache; indigestion; metallic taste; muscle or joint pain; nausea; skin rash; stomach pain; swelling; tiredness.

If you experience any of this serious side effects seek medical help right away: severe allergic reactions rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.



Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all prescribed and no prescribed medications, herbal products you may use, especially any of the following: estrogens (premarin, oral contraceptives). They can decrease effectiveness of Urso.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Urso, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.



Overdose

The symptoms of Urso overdose include diarrhea. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you suspect overdose.



Storage

Store Urso at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Urso out of the reach of children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)