Nutraferon UDX Tablets

Nutraferon UDX dissolves radiolucent (non-calcified, X-ray transparent) cholesterol gallstones (<20 mm diameter) in patients with a functioning, contracting gallbladder and a patent cystic duct. It cannot dissolve calcified (radio-opaque) or black/brown bilirubin pigment stones.

In Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), UDCA (13–15 mg/kg/day) is the standard first-line treatment proven to slow disease progression and extend survival. In Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), UDCA improves blood liver enzyme numbers, but high doses (>20–28 mg/kg/day) must NEVER be used in PSC because clinical trials showed high doses increase lithocholic acid formation and worsen clinical outcomes.

Unlike other bile-acid drugs, UDCA is safe and effective in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy for ICP—relieving severe maternal itching, normalizing liver enzymes, and protecting the baby from toxic maternal bile acid levels.

Aluminium-based antacids and cholesterol-lowering bile acid resins (cholestyramine, colestipol) bind UDCA in the intestine and must be spaced at least 2–4 hours apart. Oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives, clofibrate, and lipid-lowering fibrates increase biliary cholesterol secretion and can counteract gallstone dissolution. Additionally, UDCA can alter the intestinal absorption of Cyclosporine (monitor cyclosporine blood trough levels in transplant patients) and increase levels of Rosuvastatin or reduce levels of Ciprofloxacin and Nitrendipine.

Dissolution typically requires 6 to 24 months, monitored by gallbladder ultrasound every 6 months (continuing for 3 months after stone disappearance). Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin) are monitored monthly for the first 3 months, then every 3 to 6 months.