Safety Information

Gallstone prevention for HCPs

Understand the connection between rapid weight loss and gallstone formation, and how to protect your patients.

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HCP Treatment

Weight Loss & Gallstones

Rapid weight loss is a known risk factor for gallstones

Rapid weight loss from the following causes may increase risk of developing gallstones:
Dieting2,3
Very low-calorie diets can trigger gallstone formation
Bariatric Surgery4
Surgical weight loss procedures increase gallstone risk
GLP-1 Agonists5

Medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® can lead to rapid weight loss

Weight loss may be most pronounced early on, which could make patients more vulnerable to forming gallstones.6-8

 

Risk of gallbladder or biliary disease is more strongly associated with use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss than for diabetes, with higher doses, and with longer treatment.5

With GLP-1 agonists, the rate of weight loss may be particularly rapid during the first 12 to 16 weeks of treatment.7,8 Prescribing information for many GLP-1 agonists includes warnings of the risk of gallbladder disease, including cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.9-15

Timing: Prophylactic Options

GLP-1 Weight Loss is Often the Most Pronounced at the Beginning of Treatment7,8,16

Before putting a patient on GLP-1 therapy for the purpose of weight loss, consider gallstone prophylaxis before it is too late.

According to a study conducted with tirzepatide 10 & 15 mg (including a placebo group), the weight loss patients experienced was most rapid towards the beginning of therapy.

With GLP-1 agonists, the rate of weight loss may be particularly rapid during the first 12 to 16 weeks of treatment.

Prescribing information for many GLP-1 agonists includes warnings of the risk of gallbladder disease, including cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

Key Insight

A major risk factor for gallstone development is rapid weight loss. Consider Reltone. Reltone (ursodiol capsules, USP) is proven therapy for preventing gallstone formation during rapid weight loss in patients with a BMI ≥ 30.

Efficacy of Reltone

Reltone (ursodiol capsules, USP) is proven therapy for preventing
gallstone formation during rapid weight loss

Weight loss–induced gallstone development can be prevented:

Study 1: Gallstone development in patients who lost weight with a low-calorie diet1

23%
Placebo Group
Developed gallstones
3%
Ursodiol 600mg
Developed gallstones

Participants (BMI ≥38; N=1,004) received either ursodiol 600 mg/day or placebo. Duration: 16 weeks. Weight loss (avg): 47-50 lbs.

Study 2: Gallstone development in patients who lost weight after gastric bypass surgery1

23%
Placebo Group
Developed gallstones
1%
Ursodiol 600mg
Developed gallstones

Participants (BMI ≥40; N=312) received either ursodiol 600 mg/day or placebo. Duration: 6 months. Weight loss (avg): 64-74 lbs.

No Hassle for Your Patients

All prescriptions of Reltone are available for as little as $0 for commercially insured patients

Samples Available
400 mg samples available. Talk with your sales representative about ordering samples for your office.
Patient Assistance
When you prescribe through a network pharmacy, patients have access to insurance coverage support.
Home Delivery
Convenient home delivery available for qualifying patients.
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