Obeticholic Acid
Obeticholic acid is a potent FXR agonist used primarily for treating primary biliary cholangitis.
Obeticholic acid is an FXR agonist used to treat primary biliary cholangitis by reducing bile acid synthesis and promoting bile flow.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A05AA04
- RxNorm
- 1798288
- Generic
- Obeticholic Acid
- Class
- atc-a05
- Brands
- Ocaliva
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Obeticholic acid is approved for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in combination with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for patients with inadequate response to UDCA alone, or as monotherapy in patients unable to tolerate UDCA.
As an FXR agonist, obeticholic acid activates the farnesoid X receptor, a nuclear receptor involved in regulating bile acid homeostasis. This activation reduces hepatic bile acid synthesis, enhances bile secretion, and may provide anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in liver tissue.
Common adverse effects include pruritus (itching) and fatigue. Use with caution in patients with advanced cirrhosis or portal hypertension, as it may worsen liver function in some cases. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended. The starting dose is typically lower with gradual titration to improve tolerability.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy