Treatment and medications: Because there are no effective therapeutic drugs available, treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Treatment options for this disease that are designed to slow the progression of the disease and prolong life include: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA): Also known as ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall, Urso), UDCA is a bile acid that helps to improve cholestasis. UDCA does not cure primary biliary cirrhosis, but early treatment can prolong life, and it is often considered the first-line treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis. UDCA is generally considered to be the first-line treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis. Although UDCA does not work for everyone in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, it is more effective when used early in the disease.UDCA is less effective in advanced liver injury. Side effects may include weight gain, hair loss, and diarrhea. Liver Transplantation: When treatment options no longer control the condition of primary biliary cirrhosis and the liver begins to fail, a liver transplant may help prolong life. Liver transplantation involves surgically implanting a healthy liver (from a donor) into a patient. Most donated livers come from people who have died. However, in some cases, a portion of the liver may be removed from a living donor for transplantation. Primary biliary cirrhosis usually returns after a liver transplant, but it may not return until several years later. Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who undergo liver transplantation usually have a high survival rate-survival rates average 80-85% after 5 years. Novel Drugs: Researchers are continuing to study and develop other drugs to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. Immunosuppressant drugs, especially methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex) and colchicine (Colcrys), have been widely used in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, but their efficacy has not been proven. Many other drugs: including antiviral drugs, are also under continuing investigation. Studies suggest that the combination of fenofibrate (Tricor, Triglide, etc.) or benzapentadine (Bezalip, etc.) may improve outcomes when UDCA alone is not effective, but further studies are needed. 1. Treating symptoms Your doctor may recommend treatments to control the signs and symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis and to make you more comfortable. Treatment may help control most common symptoms. 2, Treating fatigue Although primary biliary cirrhosis can cause fatigue, daily habits or other illnesses may also contribute to physical fatigue. Symptoms may be relieved by treating these other factors. In studies, the drug modafinil (Provigil) has given researchers hope. However, more research is needed to determine the role modafinil plays in the treatment of primary biliary sclerosis. 3, Treatment of itching Antihistamines such as Benadryl (Benadryl, etc.) and Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, etc.) are commonly used to relieve itching after mosquito bites as well as dry eyes and mouth. On the other hand, antihistamines can improve sleep when generalized itching keeps you awake. Cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite): is a powder that must be mixed with food or liquids. Although cholestyramine is effective for most people, it does not taste good. Rifampicin (Rifadin, Rimactane): is an antibacterial tablet. Exactly what mechanism of action rifampicin works through to relieve itching is not clear, but it may be able to stop the brain from responding to itch-inducing chemicals in the blood. Opioid receptor antagonists: such as naloxone (Bunavail, Evzio) and naltrexone (Bunavail, Evzio) help relieve itching associated with liver disease. Similar to rifampin, these medications seem to reduce the itching sensation in patients by acting on the brain. 4. Treatment of dry eye and mouth symptoms: Synthetic alternatives to tears and saliva are now available in over-the-counter formulations that can be purchased directly from a pharmacy. Pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine, Salagen) : It is a prescription medication that can be used when over-the-counter medications do not work. Cevimeline (Evoxac): is another prescription medication for dry eyes and mouth. By working with your doctor, you can prevent some of the complications of primary biliary cirrhosis: Elevated portal vein pressure (portal hypertension): When you are first diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis, and every few years thereafter, your doctor may screen you for portal hypertension and varicose veins. If you are diagnosed with portal hypertension or bleeding, treatment options may include medications, such as beta-blockers or nitrates, and surgery. Weakened bones (osteoporosis): If primary biliary cirrhosis is causing osteoporosis, then you will usually be treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Your doctor may also recommend regular exercise to increase bone density. Vitamin deficiencies: Your doctor may recommend vitamin A, D, E, and K supplements to compensate for vitamin deficiencies. Do not take herbal or nutritional supplements until you have consulted your doctor.