Ursodeoxycholic Acid
The primary medication typically subscribed for PBC is Ursodeoxycholic Acid. As of now, Ursodeoxycholic Acid or Urso for short is the only medicine to have proven itself of benefit to those battling PBC. Urso is far from a "cure all" medicine for Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, but studies have shown that to date, Urso is the "only" medicine that may inhibit the progression of the disease.
So what is Ursodeoxycholic Acid or UDCA?
Urso is manufactured under several different names and generics. Most common are Ursodiol, Actigall (usually prescribed in 300 mg capsules), URSO-250 and Ursofalk. All of these medicines contain the same basic ingredient Ursodeoxycholic Acid, with different fillers used by different manufacturers to complete the medicine.
The medicine's primary function was to dissolve gallstones. UDCA is a naturally occurring bile acid that controls cholesterol levels by reducing the amount the liver makes as well as reducing cholesterol absorption from food in the gut. UDCA also increases the breakdown of cholesterol particularly the type that can form into gallstones.
So How does it work for PBC?
Studies of UDCA and PBC patients have shown that this medicine offers four separate benefits for PBC. MedicineNet* quotes:
- "First, it increases the rate of bile flow from the hepatocytes, thereby combating cholestasis and diluting toxic bile acids in bile.
- Second, it inhibits the body's production of toxic bile acids, thereby preventing further injury to the hepatocytes.
- Third, it inhibits apoptosis (genetically programmed cell death), thereby preventing hepatocytes from dying.
- Fourth, it mildly inhibits the immune response in the liver, thereby possibly reducing immunological injury to the bile ducts and liver.*"
Does it work for Everybody?
UDCA has been shown to lower specific key liver function tests, namely bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ggt and of course cholesterol. It is these liver function tests that your doctor will monitor once you have begun the UDCA regimen. Sadly, the response to UDCA can vary from person to person, and thus the liver may or may not be responsive to this medicinial therapy. In some cases, UDCA can prove beneficial in just a few months, but it has been seen to take 12 months or more to have an effect in others. Alternatively, there are some PBC sufferers that UDCA has little effect on. Your doctor will determine how well or little it is working for you.
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