Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Ursodeoxycholic acid, also called ursodiol or UDCA, is a bile acid the body makes itself. It is used to break up small cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a long-term liver disease. Urso comes as 150 mg and 300 mg tablets. In South Africa the same ingredient is sold as Ursofalk.
Medicine containing Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Key points
- Ursodiol works best on small cholesterol stones; pigment stones usually need surgery.
- Dissolving gallstones can take months or years of treatment, and stones can come back.
- In primary biliary cholangitis, ursodiol helps move bile out of the liver into the small intestine.
How does Ursodeoxycholic Acid work?
For gallstones, ursodiol is a non-surgical option that doctors keep for special situations, for example cholesterol stones in someone who cannot have an operation; removing the gallbladder is the usual treatment. In primary biliary cholangitis the small bile ducts in the liver are slowly damaged, and ursodiol is the main treatment: used early enough, it can improve liver function and may delay the need for a liver transplant. Urso sits in Digestive Health.
Further reading
FAQ
What ursodeoxycholic acid products are available?
On Direct Meds, ursodeoxycholic acid comes as Urso. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
Which brands contain ursodeoxycholic acid?
Ursodeoxycholic acid is also sold under brand names such as Ursodiol. In South Africa it is also sold as Ursofalk. Names differ from country to country, so the active ingredient is the surest way to compare products.
How much does ursodeoxycholic acid cost in South Africa?
Compare the price of each product, strength and pack above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Can I buy ursodeoxycholic acid over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order ursodeoxycholic acid. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver ursodeoxycholic acid to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Last updated