Common use

Actigall is used to dissolve gallstones in patients who do not need to have their gallbladders removed or in those in whom surgery should be avoided because of other medical problems. It is also used to help prevent gallstones in patients who are on rapid weight-loss programs. Actigall is also used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). PBC is an autoimmune disorder that causes a patient's liver to have problems and not work properly.

Dosage and direction

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.
For oral dosage form (tablets). For primary biliary cirrhosis: Adults - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 13 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into 2 to 4 doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. Blood tests will have to be done every few months while you are taking this medicine to make sure that the gallstones are dissolving and your liver is working properly.

Contraindications

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the stomach cavity) or Bleeding varices (veins that enlarge and bleed) or Bowel problems (eg, Crohn's disease) or Hepatic encephalopathy (brain disease due to liver failure) or Liver damage (from not having a certain chemical in your liver to break down a substance called lithocholate) or Liver transplant - Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Biliary tract blockage or Pancreatitis (swelling or inflammation of the pancreas) - Should not be used in patients with this condition.

Possible side effect

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Bladder pain; bloody or cloudy urine; difficult, burning, or painful urination; dizziness; fast heartbeat; frequent urge to urinate; indigestion; lower back or side pain; severe nausea; skin rash or itching over the entire body; stomach pain; vomiting; weakness.

Drug interaction

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Missed dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Overdose

Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.