Is it advisable to take Udiliv for itching during 35 weeks of pregnancy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 35 weeks pregnant and have itching all over the body except on the palm and feet. Doctor gave me Cetirizine for six days, and the itching is still there. I have got the LFT done as per the doctor's advice, and the reports are normal. As itching still exists, the doctor suggested me to take Udiliv 300 mg twice a day. Is it safe to take the medication?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Itching in pregnancy can be due to either pregnancy-induced hormonal changes, which usually get relieved post-delivery. Sometimes a condition called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can also cause such kind of itching, which is more specific on palms and soles too (although not in your case). This condition is due to the accumulation of the bile salts in the circulation due to pregnancy-induced hormonal changes and usually appears anytime after 28 weeks of pregnancy. This condition is mostly a diagnosis made by excluding other itching or deranged liver function problems in pregnancy. Sometimes even the liver enzymes levels may take one to two weeks to get deranged, but itching can appear before. In either case, Udiliv (Ursodeoxycholic acid) helps control the level bile salts and reduces the itching caused due to them. It is also the only bile reducing agent safe in pregnancy. As in your case, there was no relief despite taking Cetirizine for six days, it would be advisable to start with Udiliv as advised by your gynecologist.