Obeticholic Acid: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Obeticholic Acid is used in the treatment of certain liver diseases such as diabetic cholangitis-PBC. Obeticholic Acid works by causing the liver to make less bile and helping bile leave the liver, slowing the progression of the disease.

1. What is the effect of Obeticholic Acid?

Obeticholic Acid can be used alone or in combination and is effective in the treatment of certain liver diseases such as diabetic cholangitis-PBC. This disease slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. When the bile ducts are damaged, toxic substances can accumulate in the bile and cause scarring of the liver.
Obeticholic Acid works by causing the liver to make less bile and helping bile flow out of the liver. Obeticholic Acid may help slow the worsening of primary cholangitis and relieve symptoms such as itchy skin, fatigue, abdominal pain, and dry eyes and mouth.

2. How to use Obeticholic Acid

Obeticholic Acid is to be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, lab test results, and response to treatment. If you have side effects, your doctor may direct you to temporarily stop taking Obeticholic Acid or take it less often. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of your dosage instructions.
Use Obeticholic Acid regularly to get the most benefit from it. Never increase the dose or abuse the drug for longer than prescribed. This not only makes the condition improve faster, but also increases the risk of unwanted effects. If your doctor has assigned a schedule once or twice per week, it may be helpful to mark your calendar.
If you also take certain other medicines to lower cholesterol (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take obeticholic acid at least 4 hours before or at least 4 hours after taking it. These products may prevent you from fully absorbing obeticholic acid.

3. Undesirable effects when using the drug Obeticholic Acid

Some unwanted effects that may occur when using Obeticholic Acid include:
Tiredness Soreness in mouth or throat Heart palpitations, pounding Although Obeticholic Acid is used to treat primary cholangitis (PBC), but it can also worsen some liver symptoms. So tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as new or worsening skin itching, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing eyes, jaundice, dark urine, pain muscle, leg edema, or altered mental status. Your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as antihistamines, or temporarily take or adjust the dose to help control some of the side effects.
Before prescribing, doctors always weigh the benefits of Obetholic Acid more than the risk of side effects. However, in some cases, when taking Obeticholic Acid, unwanted effects may still occur. Therefore, when you see unusual signs, especially when an allergic reaction occurs with accompanying symptoms such as rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, etc. .. In this case, the patient should immediately notify the medical staff for immediate intervention.

4. Some notes when using the drug Obeticholic Acid

Some notes when using Obeticholic Acid include:
Report a history of allergy to Obeticholic Acid or any other allergies. Medicinal products may contain inactive ingredients and may cause allergic reactions or other serious problems. Report a medical history, especially bile duct obstruction. Before surgery tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using including over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. During pregnancy Obeticholic Acid should be used only when clearly needed, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor. Laboratory tests such as cholesterol levels, liver function tests, etc. should be done while you are taking Obeticholic Acid. If you forget to take a dose of Obeticholic Acid, take it as soon as possible. However, if the time you remember to take your missed dose is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the same time as originally scheduled. Absolutely do not use more than double the dose than the treatment regimen. Overdose of Obeticholic Acid can cause serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness,...

5. Drug interactions

Drug interactions can reduce the effect of Obeticholic Acid, or increase the effect of unwanted effects. Tell your doctor about all other medicinal products you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's consent.

6. How to store Obeticholic Acid?

Store Obeticholic Acid at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store Obeticholic Acid in a humid place or in the freezer. Each medicine will have different storage methods, so read the instructions on the packaging for Obeicholic Acid carefully, or ask your pharmacist. Keep Obeticholic Acid out of the reach of children and family pets. When medicine is past its expiry date or cannot be used anymore, dispose of it properly. Do not arbitrarily dispose of Obeticholic Acid into an environment such as a water pipe or toilet unless requested to do so. Ask your waste disposal company or pharmacist for advice on how to safely dispose of Obeticholic Acid to help protect the environment.
In summary, Obeticholic Acid is used in the treatment of certain liver diseases such as diabetic cholangitis-PBC. Obeticholic Acid works by causing the liver to make less bile and helping bile leave the liver, slowing the progression of the disease. However, Obeticholic Acid can cause some unwanted effects and drug interactions, so tell your doctor what medicinal products you are taking to reduce the risk of side effects and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. treatment course.

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Reference source: webmd.com