Actigall/Ursodiol Side Effects?

[Gottajustdoit 220]

My doctor just prescribed Acitigall (generic Ursodiol) post surgery as my gall bladder looks great and is staying put. He said I would have to take it for 6 months after the surgery to prevent gall stones from forming. Has anyone had experience taking this medication? If so, how long did you take it and what side effects, if any, did you have? THanks!

[catwoman7 11,221]

I broke out in hives three weeks after surgery, which at first we attributed to ursodiol since that IS a known side effect (although not common). My surgeon's office had me stop taking it for a couple of weeks and then try getting back on. So I did - and no hives that time. So who knows what caused the hives that first time - probably not the ursodiol.

anyway, I also took it for six months. I think that's pretty standard. I didn't have any problems with it.

[Gottajustdoit 220]

Thank you! I just hate the idea of adding medications when I'm trying to eliminate a lot of them through the procedure. I am glad to hear you did not have nausea or vomiting!

[catwoman7 11,221]

I would definitely take it. Although it doesn't *guarantee* you won't have gallbladder problems, it greatly reduces your risk. It's worth it...