Eticholic 5mg Tablet is a gastrointestinal agent belonging to the farnesoid X-receptor agonist category containing the active ingredient Obeticholic acid. It is mainly used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This chronic liver disease can be caused by inflammation and damage to the small bile ducts in the liver, which leads to reduced bile flow, liver damage, and potential scarring (fibrosis).
This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to any other ingredients in the medicine. The levels of certain medications, such as theophylline (used to aid breathing) and tizanidine (used to relieve muscle stiffness and restriction), may increase when taken with Eticholic 5mg Tablet. Your doctor may need to monitor the levels of these medications in your blood and adjust their dosages if necessary. Medications like cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam, which are used to lower blood cholesterol levels, may reduce the effectiveness of this drug. If you are taking these medicines, your doctor will advise you to take this medication at least 4 to 6 hours before or after taking the bile acid-binding resin to allow sufficient time for their separate absorption. The use of this drug is not recommended in children or adults.
Before taking Eticholic 5mg Tablet, it is necessary to consult with your physician if you have any concerns about complete blockage of bile ducts in your gallbladder or worsening liver health. Your physician will conduct regular blood tests to monitor your liver function. Itching may occur as a side effect of this drug, and in some cases, it may become severe (intense itching over much of the body). If you experience difficult-to-tolerate itching, your doctor may prescribe additional medications to manage it or adjust your dosage. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the lack of sufficient data and experience with its use in pregnant women. As a precautionary measure, pregnant individuals should avoid taking this drug.
Uses of Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Therapeutic Effects of Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Eticholic 5mg Tablet activates the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the liver. This activation has various beneficial effects, including reducing liver inflammation, promoting bile flow, and slowing down or reversing liver fibrosis. These actions help to manage the symptoms and progression of PBC.
Interaction of Eticholic 5mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your physician about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Eticholic 5mg Tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Eticholic 5mg Tablet
How to consume Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Take the Eticholic 5mg Tablet as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Safety Advices for Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Pregnancy
Eticholic 5mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the lack of sufficient data and experience with its use in pregnant women. As a precautionary measure, pregnant individuals should avoid taking this drug.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown if Eticholic 5mg Tablet passes into the breast milk or if it will harm your baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Eticholic 5mg Tablet is safe for patients with lung problems. Inform your physician if you have lung disease before starting the treatment.
Liver
Eticholic 5mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver problems. Inform your physician if you have liver diseases before initiating the treatment.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol interacts with the Eticholic 5mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Driving
Eticholic 5mg Tablet has negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Consult your doctor for more information.
Side Effects of Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Worsening of liver problems ( white of the eyes or yellowing of skin, black, tarry or bloody stools, coughing up or vomiting blood, confusion, slurred speech, mood swings)
- Severe itching
- Lower HDL-C (good cholesterol)
Common
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain, discomfort, constipation
- Joint pain, mouth, and throat pain
- Dizziness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Dryness, irritation, or redness of the skin
- Rash
- Swelling of ankles, hands, or feet
- Thyroid hormone irregularity
Word of Advice
Inform your physician if you are taking any medicines to lower blood cholesterol levels. Certain cholesterol-lowering medications can interact with Eticholic 5mg Tablet and may affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Your physician must be aware of all the medications you are taking to make appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
FAQs
Q 1. Can Eticholic 5mg Tablet be used in combination with other medications for PBC?
Eticholic 5mg Tablet may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other medications, depending on the patient's specific condition. It is necessary to inform the doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken to avoid serious drug interactions.
Q 2. Are there any specific contraindications or precautions with Eticholic 5mg Tablet?
Individuals with certain medical conditions or a history of certain liver diseases may need special consideration before starting Eticholic 5mg Tablet. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.
Q 3. Can anyone take Eticholic 5mg Tablet for PBC?
Eticholic 5mg Tablet may not be suitable for everyone, and its use should be determined by a physician. It is generally prescribed for patients with primary biliary cholangitis who cannot tolerate other therapies.
Q 4. What are the common side effects of Eticholic 5mg Tablet?
Common side effects of Eticholic 5mg Tablet may include itching, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, joint pain, and constipation. Patients may experience different side effects, and it is essential to report any unusual or severe symptoms to the doctor immediately.
Q 5. How is Eticholic 5mg Tablet administered?
Eticholic 5mg Tablet is available in the form of tablets for oral administration. It can be taken once daily, with or without food, as directed by the physician.
Fact Box of Eticholic 5mg Tablet
Molecule name: Obeticholic acid | Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal agents |
Pharmacological class: Farnesoid X-receptor agonist | Indications: Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) |