Obeticholic Acid
About Obeticholic Acid
Obeticholic Acid is a prescription medicine used to treat a chronic liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It is usually prescribed together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) when UDCA alone is not working well enough. For people who cannot tolerate UDCA, Obeticholic Acid may be used on its own. Obeticholic Acid helps protect the liver by reducing the buildup of harmful bile acids that can damage liver cells over time.
Obeticholic Acid is typically taken once daily as an oral tablet, and it can be taken with or without food. To get the best results, it is important to take it consistently every day at the same time. Combining this treatment with a low-sodium diet and staying well-hydrated can also support your overall liver health.
Some people may experience side effects like severe skin itching, joint pain, or feeling very tired. If you notice severe itching or signs that your liver function is getting worse, you must contact your doctor immediately. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely to ensure Obeticholic Acid is working safely.
Do not take this if you have a complete blockage of your bile ducts or severe liver damage with complications. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have other liver problems, as Obeticholic Acid may not be suitable for you. It is also important to share your complete medical history to prevent complications.
Obeticholic Acid can interact with other drugs, especially those that bind bile acids, which can lower its effectiveness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
Uses of Obeticholic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Obeticholic Acid helps manage primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) by improving bile flow and reducing the buildup of harmful bile acids in the liver. By protecting the liver from ongoing damage, it supports long-term liver health and function.
Benefits may include:
- Helps reduce harmful bile acid buildup in the liver.
- Supports healthy liver function and helps slow the progression of primary biliary cholangitis.
- Helps reduce liver inflammation and scarring.
- Lowers liver enzyme levels, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), indicating improved liver health.
- May help delay the progression of liver disease and reduce the risk of liver-related complications.
- Supports long-term liver health and overall quality of life when used as prescribed.
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
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Severe skin itching (pruritus)
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Stomach pain or abdominal discomfort
- Throat pain or irritation
- Joint or muscle pain
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of worsening liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
- Severe swelling in your stomach area, ankles, or feet
- Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or changes in mental state
- Severe allergic reactions, including hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Attend regular monitoring appointments: Keep all scheduled blood tests so your doctor can monitor your liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and overall liver function throughout treatment.
- Monitor for worsening itching: Tell your doctor if you develop new or worsening itching, as your dose may need to be adjusted or additional treatment may be required.
- Do not change or stop treatment without medical advice: Never stop taking Obeticholic Acid or change your dose unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Separate bile acid-binding medicines from your dose: If you take bile acid-binding medicines, follow your doctor's instructions on the timing of each dose to help prevent them from reducing the absorption of Obeticholic Acid.
- Use with caution in advanced liver disease: If you have advanced liver disease or cirrhosis with complications, Obeticholic Acid requires careful dose selection and close monitoring, as incorrect dosing may increase the risk of serious liver problems.
- Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your doctor: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting Obeticholic Acid, as your doctor will carefully assess the potential benefits and risks of treatment.
Drug Interactions
- Bile acid-binding medicines (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam): These medicines may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of Obeticholic Acid. Take Obeticholic Acid at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after these medicines.
- Certain medicines processed by the liver (e.g., theophylline): Obeticholic Acid may increase the levels of these medicines in the body, raising the risk of side effects. Your doctor may monitor you more closely or adjust the dose if needed.
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
- Follow a low-sodium diet: Reducing salt intake helps manage and prevent fluid retention, which is a common concern in chronic liver conditions.
- Avoid alcohol entirely: Alcohol adds extra stress to your liver and can speed up liver damage. It is highly recommended to stop drinking alcohol while on this medication.
- Manage skin itching: To help control itching, take cool or lukewarm baths, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, and apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body's normal functions and help your kidneys and liver work effectively.
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 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.
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.
Obeticholic Acid is not recommended for children or adolescents.
Obeticholic Acid is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver disease in which the bile ducts are gradually damaged. It may be used in adults whose response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is inadequate or who cannot tolerate UDCA. Your doctor will determine whether Obeticholic Acid is appropriate for you.
No, Obeticholic Acid does not cure primary biliary cholangitis, but it helps slow down the progression of the disease and protects your liver from further damage. Talk to your doctor about what to expect from long-term treatment.
Bile acid-binding medicines such as cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam can reduce the absorption of Obeticholic Acid. Take Obeticholic Acid at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after these medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you plan an appropriate dosing schedule.
Itching is a very common side effect. If it becomes severe or hard to manage, contact your doctor right away, as they may need to adjust your dose or prescribe a treatment to relieve the itching. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol completely while taking Obeticholic Acid. Alcohol puts extra stress on your liver and can worsen your liver condition. Talk to your doctor about safe lifestyle choices for your liver health.
There is limited information about the safety of Obeticholic Acid during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor before starting or continuing treatment.
Regular blood tests allow your doctor to check your liver enzymes and overall liver function to ensure Obeticholic Acid is working safely and effectively. Talk to your doctor about your scheduled monitoring plan.
Watch for yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, severe stomach swelling, pale stools, or mental confusion. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care immediately. Talk to your doctor if you experience any new symptoms.
Primary biliary cholangitis is a long-term condition, so treatment with Obeticholic Acid is often continued for an extended period if it is working well and you tolerate it. Your doctor will regularly review your liver function and decide whether you should continue treatment.
Your doctor will regularly review your blood test results and symptoms to see how well the treatment is working. If your liver tests do not improve or your disease continues to progress, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan or discuss other treatment options. Do not stop taking Obeticholic Acid unless your doctor advises you to.
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