Obeticholic acid is used in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis.
How Obeticholic acid works Obeticholic acid stimulates the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a protein that regulates the synthesis and transport of bile acids, lipid metabolism, and glucose levels. Obeticholic acid inhibits bile acid synthesis and increases bile acid secretion. This reduces the bile acid pool in the liver, thereby preventing its toxic effects. Consequently, it helps to improve liver function.
Common side effects of Obeticholic acid include itching, fatigue, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort, rash, joint pain, oropharyngeal pain, dizziness, constipation, peripheral edema, palpitations, fever, thyroid disorders, and eczema.