Question:
2weeks/2days post-op (RYN) Started taking Ursodiol....NASTY!!

If believe the meds. are for the liver....Anyway, Your suppose to take 1 a day with food, crushed. I can hardy get through my meal....I gag the whole time and I have the nasty taste for about 2hrs afterwards....What can I do??? It ruins the whole meal!!! Any suggestions?    — Nikkijo30 (posted on September 25, 2007)

September 25, 2007
People who lose weight rapidly are prone to develop gall stones. Ursodiol is prescribed to help prevent this. I was told to crush my meds after I got home from my RNY surgery. I agree -- nasty! So I tried taking my meds without crushing, almost immediately, and found that I tolerated them well. Give it a try. I'm betting you won't have a problem taking the WHOLE (uncrushed) meds. If you find you can't do this, ask your doctor about other ways to take your needed meds, e.g., rectally.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 25, 2007
I agree they taste bad. I was told to mix them with a little applesauce.
   — MarthaS

September 25, 2007
try mixing it in sf pudding and take it after you eat so you can enjoy your meal. hope this helps... Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

September 26, 2007
I never crushed my Ursodiol. It is to help prevent gallstones in people losing weight at such a rapid pace. Try to swallow whole and don't take it at the same time as any calcium supplement as this will make them work against each other. Hope this helps and if I remember correctly, my Dr only had me take it for 6 months post-op. Best of luck and know that it will get easier and hold on this is a heck of a ride!!!
   — tjmoore8570

September 26, 2007
Like the previous posters mentioned, rapid weight loss increases your chances of gallstone formation. Ursodiol (brand name: Actigall) is given prophylactically to prevent gallstones. They do make it in a tablet and capsule formulation, but no other commercially available dosage forms. I suggest the capsule - easy to open and mix with sugar free pudding to mask odor...or if you can tolerate swallowing the whole thing, a capsule ought to go down easier due to its coating. If neither of these options work for you, you might consider contacting a local pharmacy the does drug compounding. Maybe they could compound it for you in a syrup or liquid - but make sure to tell them it has to be sugar-free. Good luck!
   — NMlakerFan