Obeticholic Acid 5mg

Obeticholic Acid 5mg — Uses and Benefits

Obeticholic Acid 5mg is mainly used to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic liver disease in which the bile ducts inside the liver get slowly damaged, leading to build-up of bile and liver injury.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), usually along with ursodeoxycholic acid
• Used alone in patients who cannot tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid
• Helps improve certain liver function blood test values over time

HOW IT WORKS

• It acts on a receptor called FXR (farnesoid X receptor) found in liver and intestine cells
• This reduces the amount of bile acid made by the liver
• It also helps improve the flow of bile, reducing build-up of harmful bile acids in the liver

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for common liver infections like hepatitis A, B or C
• Not used for fatty liver disease unless specifically advised by a specialist
• Not a painkiller or general liver tonic
• Not meant for immediate relief of symptoms; it works slowly over months

This medicine should only be used under the supervision of a doctor, usually a gastroenterologist or hepatologist, with regular monitoring of liver function.

How to Use Obeticholic Acid 5mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Can be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless instructed
• Do not change the dose on your own, even if you feel better
• Continue regular blood tests as advised, since dose may need adjustment based on liver function
• If you are also taking a bile acid binding medicine (like cholestyramine), take this medicine at least a few hours apart, as advised by your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If you remember only close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

STORAGE

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

Obeticholic Acid 5mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Itching of the skin (very common, may be intense in some people)
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Joint pain
• Throat pain or upper respiratory symptoms

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Rash
• Increased thyroid-related symptoms
• Changes in cholesterol levels on blood tests

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, worsening of liver disease
• Severe abdominal swelling or pain, signs of liver failure
• Severe, unbearable itching affecting sleep or daily life
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

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

Obeticholic Acid 5mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is prescription-only in India and should not be used without a valid doctor's prescription and regular monitoring.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Have complete blockage of the bile duct
• Have decompensated liver disease or advanced cirrhosis, unless specifically advised by a liver specialist
• Are allergic to obeticholic acid or any ingredient in the tablet

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have any existing liver disease other than PBC
• Have a history of severe itching or skin conditions
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have thyroid problems or cholesterol disorders
• Are scheduled for any blood tests, so results can be interpreted correctly

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Bile acid binding medicines such as cholestyramine or colestipol
• Warfarin and other blood-thinning medicines
• Certain medicines affecting liver enzymes; inform your doctor of all medicines and supplements you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine once I feel better?

No, do not stop without consulting your doctor, as PBC is a long-term condition needing continuous treatment.

Why do I get itching with this medicine?

Itching is a common side effect linked to changes in bile acid levels; tell your doctor if it becomes severe.

Will I need regular blood tests during treatment?

• Yes, regular liver function tests are needed to monitor response and adjust the dose safely.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.