About obeticholi c acid
Farnesoid X receptor agonist
Used for
- Used with ursodeoxycholic acid for primary biliary cholangitis when response is inadequate.
- May be used alone when ursodeoxycholic acid cannot be tolerated.
Usual adult dose
Usually 5 mg once daily initially; may increase to 10 mg once daily after six months if needed and tolerated. Dosing must be adjusted for liver impairment.
Common side effects
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Rash
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver injury or worsening liver disease; use is restricted in advanced cirrhosis.
- Seek urgent assessment for worsening jaundice, abdominal swelling, confusion, or other signs of liver deterioration.
- May worsen itching; dose changes or interruption may be needed.
- Not approved for children; liver monitoring is required.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited; use only when the potential benefit justifies possible fetal risk.
Breastfeeding
Unknown whether obeticholic acid passes into breast milk; effects on the infant are unknown.
Interactions
- Bile acid binding resins reduce absorption; separate doses by at least four hours.
- May increase exposure to warfarin; closer INR monitoring may be needed.
- May increase exposure to narrow-therapeutic-index CYP1A2 substrates.
- May reduce exposure to CYP3A substrates, including some statins.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.