Step-by-Step Instructions for Reltone Dosage While Undergoing Rapid Weight Loss
1. Confirm Dosage with Healthcare Provider
It is essential to take Reltone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The general recommendation for gallstone prevention in patients experiencing rapid weight loss is 600 mg per day¹. In most cases following bariatric surgery, ursodiol is continued for six month since it is expected that patients lose weight most rapidly during that period and are most susceptible to forming gallstones.
You may be instructed to divide the daily dosage into two or three smaller doses to help minimize potential side effects.
2. Monitoring and Adjustment
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial. Monitoring through ultrasound images of the gallbladder every six months can help assess the effectiveness of Reltone in preventing gallstones. Based on the findings, your doctor may adjust the dosage accordingly.
Your doctor will calculate the amount of Reltone you should take based on your weight.
For example, if you weigh 70 kg, you would take between 560 mg and 700 mg of Reltone each day (70 kg x 8 mg = 560 mg, 70 kg x 10 mg = 700 mg).
Dosage Suggestion
While you may take the total prescribed dose of Reltone once a day, dividing it to 2 or 3 doses per day would help reduce potential side effects.
2. Monitoring Progress with Ultrasound
Initial and Ongoing Monitoring:
You would need a diagnostic evaluation for detection of gallstone. The most common test is an abdominal ultrasound which evaluates the gallbladder. The test is non-invasive, painless and doesn’t involve any radiation. The ultrasound may be done in your doctor’s office if equipped with an ultrasound machine. Otherwise, it may be done at a radiology center.
Your doctor may begin monitoring with an ultrasound of the gallbladder to establish a baseline before starting Reltone. It is recommended to monitor progress with additional ultrasounds every 6 months during the first year of treatment in order to assess the response to Reltone and check for reduction in size of the gallstones.
Evaluating Dissolution:
If gallstones appear to be dissolving, it is important to confirm with a repeat ultrasound within 1 to 3 months. Once the dissolution of the gallstones has been verified with the ultrasound, then a decision may be made whether continued treatment with Reltone is necessary.
Assessment After 12 Months:
If there is no sign of stone dissolution by the 12-month evaluation, the likelihood of successful treatment with Reltone is significantly reduced. At this point, consider consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to the therapy plan.
Taking your medicine regularly is important to allow it to work effectively.
Always verify the exact dose and timing of Reltone with your pharmacist before starting the treatment to ensure accuracy.
It is crucial to follow the prescribed medication schedule strictly. Take Reltone at the same times each day.
Store Reltone in a secure, childproof place at room temperature, away from moisture and heat to preserve its efficacy.
Safely dispose of expired or unused Reltone. Follow the disposal instructions provided on the medicine label or mix the medication with substances like coffee grounds or cat litter to prevent misuse.
Use daily or weekly pill organizers to help manage doses accurately. Setting alarms on your phone or using reminder apps can also aid in maintaining a consistent medication intake schedule.
Keep a medication journal or use a calendar to record each dose taken. This helps in monitoring adherence and can be useful during follow-ups with your healthcare provider.
