Great question — and yes, many people with PBC do experience side effects, often depending on which medication they're taking. Here's a breakdown of commonly reported side effects by medication:
Ursodiol (Urso/Urso Forte)
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Skin rash, hair loss, itching
- Weight gain
Cholestyramine (for Show Full Answer
Great question — and yes, many people with PBC do experience side effects, often depending on which medication they're taking. Here's a breakdown of commonly reported side effects by medication:
Ursodiol (Urso/Urso Forte):
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Skin rash, hair loss, itching
- Weight gain
Cholestyramine (for itching):
- Constipation, gas, nausea
- Vitamin deficiencies (A, D, K) with long-term use
- Bleeding issues due to low vitamin K
Livdelzi:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Bone fractures (serious, but less common)
Lynavoy:
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea
- Acid reflux, joint pain
- Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K) Members of myPBCteam have shared their own experiences too. One myPBCteam member on ursodiol said switching to taking it at night helped reduce side effects. Another myPBCteam member worked with their doctor to lower the dose, which made a big difference.
A myPBCteam member on Livdelzi mentioned that taking it after an evening meal helped ease nausea significantly.
It's always worth talking to your doctor if side effects are bothering you — adjusting timing, dose, or even the medication itself can make a real difference. Don't change anything without checking with them first though!
October 19
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