Obeticholic Acid
About Obeticholic Acid
Obeticholic Acid is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis, also known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disease caused by the build-up of bile in the liver, which leads to liver damage.
Obeticholic Acid contains Obeticholic acid, which helps improve liver function by reducing the production and build-up of bile in the liver.
Obeticholic Acid may cause common side effects, including stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, and palpitations. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Obeticholic Acid is not recommended for children and adolescents. Obeticholic Acid may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Obeticholic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
- Enhances liver health in individuals suffering from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).
- Lessens the liver's buildup of bile acids.
- Reduces the fibrosis and inflammation of the liver.
- Improves liver health by lowering alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.
Directions for Use
- Obeticholic Acid can be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
- It is usually taken once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Obeticholic Acid as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew, or crush it.
Storage
Side Effects of Obeticholic Acid
- Stomach pain
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Palpitations (irregular or fast heartbeat)
- Constipation
- Thyroid hormone irregularity
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Obeticholic Acid if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have a complete blockage of the biliary tract (liver, bile ducts, and gall bladder).
- Inform your doctor if you experience itching that is difficult to tolerate.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Obeticholic Acid is not recommended for children or adolescents.
- Obeticholic Acid may cause dizziness, so drive with caution.
- Consult a doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin/eyes, black/tarry stools, dark urine, coughing up/vomiting blood, confusion, slurred speech, mood swings, anxiety, swelling in and around the stomach.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Taking Obeticholic Acid with the following medications may cause adverse reactions.
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
• Potential effect: May alter the effectiveness of warfarin. - Bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol)
• Potential effect: May reduce the absorption of these drugs.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Obeticholic Acid, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Biliary obstruction
- Liver impairment
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Obeticholic Acid. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant, as limited information is available regarding the usage of Obeticholic Acid during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Obeticholic Acid can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safe if prescribedObeticholic Acid does not affect your ability to drive. However, you are advised to omit driving if you experience dizziness.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Inform your doctor if you have/had liver cirrhosis.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeObeticholic Acid is not recommended for children or adolescents.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy eating habits:
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- To lessen liver strain, cut back on processed, greasy, and fried foods.
- Limit salt consumption to avoid fluid retention.
Lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy body weight with regular physical activity.
- Avoid alcohol completely to protect the liver.
Physical activity:
- Take part in mild to moderate physical activity, including cycling or walking.
- Avoid intense exercises if you're tired or itchy.
- To maintain a healthy weight and promote liver health, engage in regular exercise.
- Incorporate stress-relieving moderate exercises like yoga or stretching.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests for monitoring liver functioning are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Primary biliary cholangitis: Primary biliary cholangitis, also known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disease caused by damage to bile ducts in the liver. Bile ducts are the small channels that carry the bile (digestive fluid) from the liver to the small intestine, where it breaks down fats and aids in their absorption. Biliary cirrhosis causes a build-up of bile in the liver, which leads to liver damage.
FAQs
Obeticholic Acid is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis, also known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disease caused by damage of bile ducts in the liver.
Obeticholic Acid helps improve liver functioning by reducing the production and build-up of bile in the liver and reducing inflammation.
Do not discontinue Obeticholic Acid without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Obeticholic Acid for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Obeticholic Acid.
Constipation might be a side-effect of Obeticholic Acid. Drink lots of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience constipation. Talk to your doctor if you have severe constipation.
Consult your doctor before taking Obeticholic Acid along with bile acid-binding resins, as they might lower the effect of Obeticholic Acid. If prescribed, maintain a gap of 4-6hours between Obeticholic Acid and bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid-binding resins are used to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Obeticholic Acid may cause palpitation, a sensation that the heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. A minor fluctuation should not be a worry; however, if palpitations continue or you begin to feel unwell, speak with your doctor.
Obeticholic Acid is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease. Adults with PBC and individuals who haven't responded to other treatments may need to take OCA, but only if advised by their doctor.
You can use Obeticholic Acid combined with ursodeoxycholic acid to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but only if your doctor advises.
Before using this medication, you should inform your doctor about your medical history, including any ongoing medicines, to avoid potential interactions and minimise side effects.
Common side effects of Obeticholic Acid may include stomach pain, tiredness, dizziness, constipation, and palpitations. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, as limited information is available regarding the usage of Obeticholic Acid during pregnancy.
Obeticholic Acid is not recommended for children or adolescents.
