That's a really common experience, and you're definitely not alone in noticing this! Some myPBCteam members have reported that itching felt worse when they first started UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid). One myPBCteam member shared that their doctor agreed to lower the dose, taking it twice daily at a reduced amount, which Show Full Answer
That's a really common experience, and you're definitely not alone in noticing this! Some myPBCteam members have reported that itching felt worse when they first started UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid). One myPBCteam member shared that their doctor agreed to lower the dose, taking it twice daily at a reduced amount, which helped a lot.
It's worth knowing that UDCA generally doesn't directly relieve itching in PBC — in fact, for some people, it can seem to stir things up at first. The good news is there are options specifically aimed at tackling the itch. Here are some treatments doctors commonly consider:
- Cholestyramine — the first-line, FDA-approved treatment for PBC-related itch (just take it 1–4 hours apart from your UDCA)
- Rifampin — a second-line option if cholestyramine doesn't help
- Opioid antagonists like naltrexone
- Newer medications like linerixibat (currently under FDA review)
It's really important to flag this to your doctor sooner rather than later — they may adjust your dose or add a treatment to help manage the itch.
July 2
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