Urlyx/Urlyx 500 Indications/Uses

Urlyx: Ursodeoxycholic acid suppresses the synthesis and secretion of cholesterol by the liver and inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It is used for the dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones in patients with functioning gallbladders.
Urlyx 500: Urlyx 500, also known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is indicated for: the management of cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).
Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by a decrease in bile secretion and bile flow. Caution has to be exercised to maintain the bile flow of the patients taking UDCA.
The diagnosis of cholestatic liver diseases is based on the biochemical signs of cholestasis (such as an increase in alkaline phosphatase, γ-GT, bilirubin), and also an increase in IgM levels and the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies in PBC.
The monitoring of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the management of cholestatic liver diseases should be based on the biochemical parameters of cholestasis, as described as previously mentioned, as well as on signs of hepatic cytolysis (such as AST, ALT) which are very often associated with cholestasis during the progression of the diseases.
Serum liver function tests (γ-GT, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT) and bilirubin level should be monitored every month for three months after start of therapy, and every six months thereafter. Improved serum liver function tests (e.g. AST, ALT) do not always correlate with improved disease status. In addition to identifying responsive and non-responsive patients, this monitoring will allow the early detection of a possible deterioration of the hepatic function. For patients who have a recent history of adequate biochemical response to the treatment, UDCA discontinuation should be considered when serum liver function tests increase to a level considered clinically significant, generally increase in ALT, AST levels three times the baseline value and increase in total bilirubin to twice the baseline value, confirmed by repeated tests.
Ursodeoxycholic acid is not indicated for the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis.
Geriatrics: Appropriate studies with Ursodeoxycholic acid have not been performed in the geriatric population. However, geriatric-specific problems that would limit the use or usefulness of Ursodeoxycholic acid in the elderly are not expected.
Pediatrics: The safety and effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic acid in children have not been established.