Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Obeticholic Acid? You may be a little worried when you hear this name. This is a special medicine that is usually given to treat a liver condition called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). So, don't be afraid. Today, we will talk about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Obeticholic Acid is a synthetic bile acid. Our body naturally produces bile acids in the liver to help digest food. In a condition called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), the small bile ducts in the liver become damaged, causing bile to pool and not flow properly. This medicine works by protecting the liver and regulating the flow of bile to some extent.
Although it is mainly used to treat PBC, your doctor may also prescribe it for other conditions. So if you have any questions about this medication, be sure to ask your doctor .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Your doctor should have a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medicine. Since this is a medicine that directly affects the liver, special care should be taken. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If the bile ducts in your liver or gallbladder are completely blocked .
- If you already have PBC and a condition called liver cirrhosis , which is a hardening of the liver. Especially if you have symptoms such as fluid in the stomach, confusion, or abnormal liver function tests.
- If you have any other type of liver disease .
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Obeticholic Acid medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Hiding this information from your doctor could seriously damage your health. So be open about everything.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine is very important.
- This pill should be taken orally, with a glass of water.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- You can take this before or after meals, but if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Special Notice:
If you are taking other medications (called bile acid-binding resins) such as Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, or Colestipol, do not take Obeticholic Acid at the same time as those medications. Obeticholic Acid should be taken 4 hours after or 4 hours before the other medication. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine. If this happens, do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
When taking this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications may interact with it.
| Nature of the collision | Medicines/substances |
|---|---|
| Do not take Obeticholic Acid with these. | |
| Severe side effects may occur. | Elbasvir; grazoprevir (these are medications for hepatitis C) |
| Be sure to inform your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| May affect the effectiveness of medication |
|
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately . | |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, and extreme tiredness. These can be serious symptoms. |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Other | Pale stools. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Constipation, dizziness, joint pain, sore throat, swelling of the ankles, feet or hands, fatigue, stomach discomfort. |
How to store and dispose of medicine?
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets , at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine.
- The best way to get rid of unused or expired medications is to hand them over to a medication take-back program at a hospital or pharmacy.
- If that's not possible, take the pills out of the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed bag, and throw them in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Obeticholic Acid is a special medicine given for a liver disease called PBC. Do not start or stop taking it without your doctor's advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have (especially liver disease), other medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, stomach pain) while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- As this may interact with some other medications, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- If you miss a dose, don't take two doses at once. Staying in touch with your doctor and getting things like blood tests done on time is very important for your health.
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