Ursofalk Suspension
Ursodeoxycholic Acid 250mg/5ml
The name of this medicine is Ursofalk Suspension. The active ingredient is ursodeoxycholic acid and each 5 ml spoonful contains 250 mg of this ingredient. The suspension also contains benzoic acid (E 210), microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, citric acid anhydrous, glycerol, propylene glycol, xylitol, sodium cyclamate, lemon flavouring (Givaudan 87017) and purified water.
Bottles of Ursofalk Suspension are available in 250 ml size.
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile salt which may have a protective effect on the liver by reducing the absorption of other potentially toxic bile salts. It is also used to lower the amount of cholesterol excreted in the bile.
Ursofalk Suspension may be used to treat the following:
- A type of liver disease known as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).
- Certain types of gallstones known by doctors as cholesterol or radiolucent gallstones.
Before taking Ursofalk Suspension
If the answer to any of the following questions is yes, tell your doctor, he may wish to change your medication.
- Are you allergic to any of the ingredients?
- Are you pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant?
- Have you been told that you have another type of stone (non-cholesterol or radioopaque gallstone) or that your gall bladder doesn’t work properly?
- Are you taking an oral contraceptive or any other female hormones such as hormone replace ment therapy?
- Are you taking cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate or any other medicine to lower your blood cholesterol?
- Are you taking an adsorbent such as charcoal?
- Are you taking any antacids or medicines for indigestion?
- Are you taking cyclosporin?
- Are you taking any other medicines which your doctor does not know about?
Taking Ursofalk Suspension
It is important to take Ursofalk Suspension as directed by your doctor. The usual adult dose is one or two 5 ml spoonfuls taken two to four times daily. The dose for a child may be less. The label will tell you how much to take and how often, but if it does not or you are unsure ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are being treated for gallstones take the last dose with food before you go to bed.
Shake well before use.
Take measured 5 ml spoonfuls.
You may need to take many 5 ml spoonfuls, either contact your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital casualty departement.
If you forget to take your suspension, take a dose as soon as you remember and then continue with the next dose as instructed on the label.
If you go into hospital or visit a dentist or another doctor tell them you are taking this medecine.
If you become pregnant whilst taking Ursofalk Suspension tell your doctor.
Like all medicines, Ursofalk Suspension may occasionally cause side-effects in some people. Normally these are mild but if you experience the following effect stop taking the suspension and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Diarrhoea.
If you experience any other undesirable effects then tell your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if they are severe or persistent.
Like many other medecines, Ursofalk Suspension contains the inactive ingredients Benzole Acid and Glycerol. These ingredients have the potential to cause some effects in their own right. These are: Glycerol (harmful in high doses) can cause headache and stomach upsets. Benzole Acid can cause mild irritation to the mouth and nose. It may increase the risk of jaundice in new born babies.
Storing Ursofalk Suspension
You may store your Ursofalk Suspension wherever you like, but away from hot places (i.e. below 40°C). Shake well before use. Do not use after 4 months of opening. Keep the bottle out of reach of children because your medicine could harm them.
Check the expiry date on the side of the bottle or carton and do not use the suspension if this date has been passed.
If your doctor decides to stop treatment, return any left over suspension to the pharmacist. Only keep it if the doctor tells you to.
If the suspension looks to be deteriorating in any way, do not take the suspension and return it to the pharmacist.
Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.