Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Urso DS (Ursodiol).
Liver disease: Urso DS (Ursodiol) is broken down by the liver. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Urso DS (Ursodiol) to build up in the body, causing side effects and possibly worsen liver damage. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Urso DS (Ursodiol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Urso DS (Ursodiol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Monitoring: Your doctor should order monthly liver function tests for the first 3 months you are taking Urso DS (Ursodiol), and every 6 months after that. Improvements in the results of these blood tests do not always mean that the disease is improving. Do not stop taking Urso DS (Ursodiol) without talking to your doctor.
Pregnancy: Urso DS (Ursodiol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Urso DS (Ursodiol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Urso DS (Ursodiol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Urso DS (Ursodiol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Urso DS (Ursodiol) have not been established for children.