About Obeticholic Acid

Uses

Obeticholic Acid is used alone or in combination treatment for a certain liver disease (primary biliary cholangitis-PBC). This disease slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. When bile ducts are damaged, harmful substances can build up in bile and scar the liver. Obeticholic acid works by causing your liver to make less bile, and by helping bile flow out of the liver. Obeticholic acid may help slow worsening of primary biliary cholangitis and decrease symptoms such as tiredness, itchy skin, abdominal pain, and dry eyes and mouth.

How to use Obeticholic Acid Tablet

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking obeticholic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. If you have side effects, your doctor may direct you to temporarily stop taking this medication, or to take it less often. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about your dosage instructions.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day you have a scheduled dose. If your doctor has prescribed a once- or twice-weekly schedule, it may help to mark your calendar.

If you also take certain other drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take obeticholic acid at least 4 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These products can keep you from absorbing obeticholic acid fully.

Side Effects

Tiredness, mouth/throat pain, or fast/pounding heartbeat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Although this medication is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), it may also cause worsening of some liver symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as new or worsening skin itching, nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, muscle/joint pain, swelling legs/feet/abdomen, or mental/mood changes. Your doctor may prescribe other medications such as bile acid-binding resins or antihistamines, or temporarily stop/adjust your dose of medication to help manage some side effects. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking obeticholic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bile duct blockage.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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