Is Actigall Necessary?

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I wasn't prescribed this - thinking I should ask about it!

[RosieSweetie 40]

Thanks everybody for your input !

[ColdWater99 19]

@Berry78 My surgeon has not prescribed any medications for preventing gallstones and I'm concerned. Do you take any?

[GassyGurl 428]

My Dr used to prescribe for everyone, but recently said in their experience it didn't prove useful enough to keep prescribing it across the board.

Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Lufifi 76]

I never thought about this! Now I'm glad I got mine out a couple years ago. Lol.

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[ColdWater99 19]

5 minutes ago, GassyGurl said:

My Dr used to prescribe for everyone, but recently said in their experience it didn't prove useful enough to keep prescribing it across the board.

Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you @GassyGurl

[Berry78 4,261]

3 hours ago, ColdWater99 said:

@Berry78 My surgeon has not prescribed any medications for preventing gallstones and I'm concerned. Do you take any?

I have the prescription but have been really bad about taking it. I was actually thinking about this today. Some studies have shown gallbladder issues in 30-50 percent of bariatric patients (according to a pharmacy student that looked it up for me).

So, yeah, with those odds I think I'll be better about taking mine.

I'll see if I can turn up anything else.

[Berry78 4,261]

Boy, that was quick.

Ok, so sleeves and bypasses have similar statistics.

Up to 70% of patients develop gallstones. But, the majority don't develop symptoms. About 10% of patients end up getting their gallbladders removed.

Actigall does help prevent the gallstone formation and it's recommended to take it for 3-6 months (BMI less than 40 = 3 months, more than 50 = 6 months).

It's worth talking to your doctor about. Those with liver disease may not want to take actigall because it can cause irritation to the liver.

[bariheidi 0]

I just went to the NUT yesterday- I had sleeve done on 12/13/11- she gave me a prescription for Actigall and told me it was a necessity. I saw my Dr today and he said I should take it because there is a 30% chance of me getting gallstones if I don't. Is anybody post-op NOT taking Actigall? I hate to take it because I am afraid of side effects (especially because I tend to have allergic reactions- particularly hives) and I understand it thins your hair, too (great- between the Hair loss due to surgery and now this, do I need to buy a wig now?) What is your experience taking it? I also heard that Xenical (Alli) also can reduce gallstones, as well as vigorous exercise. If you have ANY info on this- please post a reply. I am very grateful for any help or advice you can give.Thanks everyone.

I got sleeved on 10/19. I have never even heard of Actigall so it was definitely not prescribed to me.

[Ready2Live! 17]

On 12/31/2011 at 0:00 PM, CowgirlJane said:

I wasn't prescribed this - thinking I should ask about it!

Ditto! - especially since mine is possibly problematic. Maybe it can help me avoid a second surgery!

[spare 7]

My surgeon prescribes Actigall for all patients with a gallbladder. I'm on it twice daily for 6 months, big capsules but thankfully they are not making me open them up (which used to be the recommendation for their practice and supposedly tasted horrible).

[ColdWater99 19]

14 hours ago, Berry78 said:

Boy, that was quick.

Ok, so sleeves and bypasses have similar statistics.

Up to 70% of patients develop gallstones. But, the majority don't develop symptoms. About 10% of patients end up getting their gallbladders removed.

Actigall does help prevent the gallstone formation and it's recommended to take it for 3-6 months (BMI less than 40 = 3 months, more than 50 = 6 months).

It's worth talking to your doctor about. Those with liver disease may not want to take actigall because it can cause irritation to the liver.

Thank you @Berry78. I'm going to ask my surgeon for it.