This medication is used alone or in combination
treatment for a certain liver disease (primary biliary cholangitis-PBC).
This disease slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. When bile ducts
are damaged, harmful substances can build up in bile and scar the liver.
Obeticholic acid works by causing your liver to make less bile, and by
helping bile flow out of the liver.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking obeticholic acid and each time you get a refill. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your
medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. If you have side
effects, your doctor may direct you to temporarily stop taking this
medication, or to take it less often. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
are not sure about your dosage instructions.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
If you also take certain other drugs to lower your
cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or
colestipol), take obeticholic acid at least 4 hours before or at least 4
hours after taking these medications. These products can keep you from
absorbing obeticholic acid fully.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Tiredness, mouth/throat pain, or fast/pounding heartbeat
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new or worsening skin itching
Although this medication is used to treat primary
biliary cholangitis (PBC), it may also cause worsening of some liver
symptoms. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as
nausea/vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop, loss of appetite,
stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, black stools,
vomit that looks like coffee grounds, swollen abdomen, unusual decreased
urination, dizziness/lightheadedness, fever, chills, or mental/mood
changes.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before taking obeticholic acid, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as cholesterol levels,
liver function) should be done before you start taking this medication and
while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.