List of Treatments for PBC

Antihistamines

Overview
Antihistamines are a class of drugs used to treat allergy symptoms, and they are often prescribed to help with itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis. Antihistamines are believed to work by… read more

Artificial Tears

Overview
Artificial tears are recommended for the symptom of dry eyes associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Over-the-counter artificial tears are available without a prescription, and it’s important to note… read more

Calcium and Vitamin D

Overview
Doctors sometimes recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements to treat bone weakening and bone loss that can be a complication of primary biliary cholangitis.

The body needs a sufficient level of calcium… read more

Cholestyramine

Overview
Cholestyramine is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Itching… read more

Diuretics

Overview
A primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) complication called portal hypertension can cause fluid to build up in your body. You may develop swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet (edema) and abdominal bloating… read more

Fenofibrate

Overview
Fenofibrate is a medication which is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in people who are also taking ursodiol (UDCA). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has… read more

Liver Transplant

Overview
Liver transplant may be an option for people with end-stage liver disease (chronic liver failure) from primary biliary cholangitis. The liver transplant can be done using a portion of liver from either a… read more

Modafinil (Provigil)

Overview
Modafinil is a prescription drug sometimes used to treat fatigue associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Fatigue is a common symptom of PBC, affecting more than half of people with this chronic liver… read more

Ocaliva (Obeticholic Acid)

Overview
Ocaliva is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Ocaliva is given in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in adults who… read more

Opioid Antagonists

Overview
Opioid antagonists are medications that can help relieve itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Doctors may prescribe opioid antagonists, such as naloxone or naltrexone, as a third-line… read more

Pilocarpine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution

Overview
Pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (pilocarpine ophthalmic) is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is sometimes prescribed off-label to help relieve dry eyes and dry… read more

Rifampin

Overview
Rifampin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Rifampin is… read more

Sertraline Hydrochloride (Zoloft)

Overview
Sertraline hydrochloride is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Sertraline may be prescribed off-label to help reduce itching and boost overall well-being… read more

Statins

Overview
Statins are a class of drugs that reduce cholesterol in the blood. Statins are sometimes prescribed to treat the high cholesterol that can be a complication of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Statins are… read more

Ursodiol

Overview
Ursodiol — also known as ursodeoxycholic acid or UDCA — is a drug used to treat people living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three formulations… read more

Vitamin Supplements

Overview
Balanced nutrition is important for maintaining liver function with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Getting necessary vitamins from food is more beneficial than taking supplements, but this might not be… read more