Obeticholic acid (Ocaliva) drug label brief description

Ocaliva (Ocaliva), developed and produced by Intercept Pharmaceuticals, is a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist. The drug regulates bile acid metabolism and reduces cholestasis by binding to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), thereby improving liver function and relieving PBC symptoms. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and is mainly used to treat adult patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), especially those who have an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment or who cannot tolerate UDCA.

1. How to use

The use of obeticholic acid should be guided by your doctor. Once a day is usually recommended, with or without food. The specific dosage needs to be determined based on the patient's specific condition and the doctor's judgment. Generally speaking, 5 mg once a day for 3 months before starting. After the first 3 months, the maximum dose is increased to 10 mg once daily in patients who have insufficient reductions in alkaline phosphatase and/or total bilirubin and who tolerate obeticholic acid. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

2. Notes

1. Before using obeticholic acid, patients should inform their doctor about their health conditions, allergies, medications they are taking, and whether they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

2. Pregnant women, lactating women, and patients with severe liver damage should use obeticholic acid with caution and consult a doctor before use.

3. Obeeticholic acid may interact with certain drugs. Patients should inform their doctor of all drugs they are taking before use.

3. Adverse reactions

Common adverse reactions that obeticholic acid may cause include skin itching, rash, diarrhea, nausea, etc. During medication, if serious adverse reactions or discomfort occur, discontinue medication immediately and consult a doctor.

4. Drug Storage

Obeticholic acid should be stored in a room temperature, dry, cool, and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Please ensure that the medication packaging is intact and out of reach of children.

5. Drug purchase and consultation

Since obeticholic acid is not yet available in the Chinese market, patients may need to purchase the drug overseas through formal channels. When purchasing medicine, be sure to choose a qualified and reputable overseas medical institution to ensure the formality and reliability of the source of the medicine. Currently, in overseas markets, both original drugs and Indian versions of generic drugs are sold. Please choose by yourself. If you have questions or need more information about obeticholic acid, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

In short, obeticholic acid, as an innovative drug for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, has made important breakthroughs worldwide. When using it, patients should follow the doctor's instructions and pay attention to the usage, precautions and adverse reactions of the drug. Purchasing medicines through formal channels and consulting professional doctors or pharmacists can ensure the safety and effectiveness of medication.