Gallstone Dissolution
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder. They are common and often cause no symptoms. When they block a duct they can cause sudden, severe pain in the tummy, and complications such as an inflamed gallbladder or pancreas, or jaundice.
Medicine used to treat Gallstone Dissolution
Key points
- Gallstones that cause no symptoms may need no treatment.
- The main treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder; tablets that dissolve stones are kept for special situations.
- Sudden severe tummy pain, pain spreading to the back with vomiting, a high temperature, or yellow skin or eyes need emergency care.
Medicines listed for Gallstone Dissolution
The listed product contains ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol), a bile acid that can break up gallstones. It works best on small cholesterol stones, for example in someone with a medical condition that rules out surgery. Treatment can take months or years, and stones can come back afterwards. Urso comes as 150 mg and 300 mg tablets.
Further reading
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