Primary biliary cholangitis, previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic condition that affects the liver and bile ducts. This condition makes it increasingly difficult for bile to move through the bile ducts, which affects the ability to digest food, absorb vitamins, and control cholesterol. Because primary biliary cholangitis also causes bile to get stuck in the bile ducts, it can lead to scarring and a gradual breakdown of the bile ducts.
As primary biliary cholangitis causes scarring and a breakdown of the bile ducts, it has these same effects on the liver. This happens because, as the bile ducts break down, bile flows into the liver and causes scarring and damage. Eventually, primary biliary cholangitis can lead to liver failure, which is fatal unless a liver transplant is received.
Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for primary biliary cholangitis. However, there are treatments and medications that can slow or eliminate the symptoms and keep it from becoming fatal.
Medications are the main treatment for primary biliary cholangitis. Medications are prescribed to manage symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis, control the disease, and keep it from progressing.
UDCA is the preferred medication for treating primary biliary cholangitis. It helps by forcing bile through the bile ducts and liver so it cannot sit and cause damage. This is important to avoid scarring and breakdown of the bile ducts and liver, as well as to maintain liver function.
As with UDCA, obeticholic acid can improve liver function and reduce scarring of the liver and bile ducts. Also known as Ocaliva, obeticholic acid is newer than UDCA but is not quite as popular because of unwanted itching and side effects it can cause.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the liver and bile ducts. It is often used in conjunction with UDCA or Obeticholic acid to improve liver health by reducing inflammation. On its own, however, budesonide is not enough to slow the progression of primary biliary cholangitis.
As with budesonide, fibrates can help reduce liver and bile duct inflammation and improve their performance. It is often given in conjunction with UDCA.
One of the biggest side effects of UDCA and obeticholic acid is that they cause extreme itchiness and discomfort. To combat this uncomfortable symptom, most doctors prescribe an antihistamine, such as loratadine or diphenhydramine.
If antihistamines do not agree with you, you can also opt for cholestyramine to deal with the itchiness caused by UDCA. Cholestyramine is given as a powder that is mixed into food or drink rather than as a pill.
The main side effect of UDCA and obeticholic acid, the primary treatment for primary biliary cholangitis, is extreme itchiness. However, cholestyramine or an antihistamine can help ease this symptom. Aside from itching, additional side effects can include the following:
If you do not start treatment early enough or if medications stop working, your liver will become increasingly damaged. If it gives out completely and you suffer from liver failure, you will need a liver transplant.
In addition to medications, there are also vitamins and supplements that can help the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis. These vitamins and supplements are necessary if your body can no longer absorb vitamins on its own.
In addition to vitamins and supplements, regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help ease the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis and keep your condition from progressing.
While there is no cure for primary biliary cholangitis, treatments and medications can slow the symptoms and prevent complications. However, it is essential that you start treatment as early as possible before the condition causes excessive scarring of the liver and bile ducts. When that happens, you will require a liver transplant to keep your condition from being fatal.