Ocanat 5mg Tablet

Ocanat 5mg Tablet is a gastrointestinal agent in the farnesoid X-receptor agonist class, containing obeticholic acid as its active ingredient. It is primarily indicated for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease characterised by inflammation and damage to the small bile ducts, resulting in reduced bile flow, liver damage, and potential fibrosis.

This medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component of the formulation. When used with certain medications including theophylline (employed in respiratory conditions) and tizanidine (used for muscle stiffness and restriction), blood levels of these drugs may increase. Your doctor may need to monitor these levels and adjust dosages accordingly.

Bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colestipol, and colesevelam, which are used to lower blood cholesterol, may reduce the effectiveness of this medication. If you are taking these medicines, your doctor will advise spacing this medication at least 4 to 6 hours before or after the bile acid-binding resin to permit adequate separate absorption.

Use of this drug is not recommended in children or adults. Before taking Ocanat 5mg Tablet, consult your physician if you have concerns regarding complete obstruction of bile ducts in the gallbladder or deteriorating liver health. Your physician will conduct regular blood tests to monitor liver function.

Itching may occur as a side effect, and in some cases may become severe, with intense itching affecting much of the body. If itching becomes difficult to tolerate, your doctor may prescribe additional medications to manage it or adjust your dosage.

This drug is not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient data and experience in pregnant women. As a precautionary measure, pregnant patients should avoid this medication.

Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)

Ocanat 5mg Tablet activates the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the liver. This activation has various beneficial effects, including reducing liver inflammation, promoting bile flow, and slowing down or reversing liver fibrosis. These actions help to manage the symptoms and progression of PBC.

Take the Ocanat 5mg Tablet as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. Serious Worsening of liver problems ( white of the eyes or yellowing of skin, black, tarry or bloody stools, coughing up or vomiting blood, confusion, slurred speech, mood swings) Severe itching Lower HDL-C (good cholesterol) Common Tiredness Stomach pain, discomfort, constipation Joint pain, mouth, and throat pain Dizziness Fast or irregular heartbeat Fever Dryness, irritation, or redness of the skin Rash Swelling of ankles, hands, or feet Thyroid hormone irregularity

Inform your physician if you are taking any medicines to lower blood cholesterol levels. Certain cholesterol-lowering medications can interact with Ocanat 5mg Tablet and may affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Your physician must be aware of all the medications you are taking to make appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.