Obeticholic 5mg

Obeticholic 5mg — Uses and Benefits

This composition is mainly used to treat a chronic liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), especially in people who do not respond well enough to standard treatment alone.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), usually combined with ursodeoxycholic acid
• Used alone in patients who cannot tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid
• Helps improve liver function markers over time

HOW IT WORKS

• It acts on a receptor called FXR (farnesoid X receptor) in the liver and intestine
• This reduces the amount of bile acid made by the liver
• It also improves bile flow, reducing damage caused by bile acid build-up

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for common liver infections like hepatitis A, B or C
• Not a treatment for fatty liver disease unless specifically advised
• Not meant for general jaundice or liver detox
• Not a painkiller or general liver tonic

How to Use Obeticholic 5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor says otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• If you also take a bile acid binding medicine (like cholestyramine), take this medicine at least 4-6 hours apart, as guided by your doctor
• Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one
• If you miss doses often, inform your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original pack until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Obeticholic 5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Itching of the skin (very common, often dose-related)
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Joint pain
• Throat pain or upper respiratory symptoms

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Rash
• Thyroid-related changes
• Reduced appetite

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine (signs of worsening liver problems)
• Severe itching with no relief
• Swelling of legs or abdomen, sudden weight gain (fluid retention)
• Signs of liver failure such as confusion, severe fatigue, bleeding or bruising easily
• Severe allergic reaction: swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Obeticholic 5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is prescription-only in India and should be used only under a doctor's supervision, with regular liver function monitoring.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Have complete blockage of bile ducts
• Are allergic to obeticholic acid or any ingredient in the tablet
• Have advanced liver disease with certain complications, unless specifically advised by a specialist

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any existing liver disease other than PBC
• Have a history of severe itching problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have heart disease or are on medicines affecting the heart
• Are already taking bile acid binding medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Cholestyramine and similar bile acid binders
• Warfarin and other blood thinners (may need dose adjustment)
• Certain cholesterol-lowering statins
• Other medicines affecting liver function

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine once I feel better?

No, stopping suddenly can worsen your liver condition; only stop if your doctor advises.

Will this medicine cure PBC completely?

No, it helps control the disease and slow damage, but it does not cure it.

Can I drink alcohol while on this medicine?

• It is best to avoid alcohol as it can further stress the liver; check with your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.