Question: How do doctors treat primary biliary cholangitis?
Answer: Doctors treat primary biliary cholangitis with medicines. Your doctor may prescribe ursodiol. Although ursodiol does not cure primary biliary cholangitis, it can slow the progression of liver damage. People who respond to ursodiol early in the course of primary biliary cholangitis can live longer without needing a liver transplant.

If you do not respond to ursodiol, your doctor may prescribe obeticholic acid. Although obeticholic acid may improve blood test results, it may worsen symptoms. Obeticholic acid has not been shown to improve the course of illness or prevent cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis should not use obeticholic acid because it can cause worsening of disease.
Question: How do doctors treat the symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis?
Answer: Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicines or prescribe medicines to treat symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis, such as itchy skin.
Question: How do doctors treat the complications of primary biliary cholangitis?
Answer: Doctors may treat common complications of primary biliary cholangitis with medicines, dietary supplements, or changes in your diet and lifestyle.

If you have higher-than-normal bloodcholesterollevels, your doctor may prescribe medicines calledstatinsand recommend lifestyle changes.
Forosteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe medicines that slow or stop bone loss and improve bone density. Your doctor may recommend dietary supplements of calcium and vitamin D.
For low levels of fat-soluble vitamins, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the type and amount of vitamins you should take.
If you have dry eyes and dry mouth due toSjögren’s syndrome, you should have regular eye and dental examinations.

Liver complications

Doctors may recommend additional treatments for liver complications of primary biliary cholangitis.

Cirrhosis or portal hypertension

If primary biliary cholangitis leads to cirrhosis or portal hypertension, doctors can treat the health problems related to these conditions with medicines, minor medical procedures, and surgery.

Liver failure

If cirrhosis leads to liver failure, you may need a liver transplant.

Liver cancer

If you have cirrhosis or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest blood tests and an ultrasound or another type of imaging test to check for liver cancer. Finding cancer at an early stage improves the chance of curing the cancer.
Question: When do doctors consider a liver transplant for primary biliary cholangitis?
Answer: Your doctor will consider a liver transplant when your primary biliary cholangitis leads to liver failure. Doctors consider liver transplants only after they have ruled out all other treatment options. Talk with your doctor to find out whether a liver transplant is right for you.
Question: What can I do to help prevent further liver damage?
Answer: If you have primary biliary cholangitis, you can take steps to help prevent further liver damage. For example, you can

carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medicines and dietary supplements as directed.
quit smoking.
avoid drinking alcohol. If you have cirrhosis, completely stop drinking alcohol.
have regular checkups, as recommended by your doctor.
talk with your doctor before takingprescription medicines.over-the-counter medicines.dietary supplements.complementary and alternative medicines.
prescription medicines.
over-the-counter medicines.
dietary supplements.
complementary and alternative medicines.
try to reach and stay at a healthybody weight.