Treatment Gastroenterology

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Treatments

The current treatment for PBC is a bile acid medication, called ursodeoxycholate. Although this medication does not cure the condition, it slows its progression. For advanced stage PBC, in which the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant is the only option.

Liver Transplantation

Liver transplant is recommended for people whose primary biliary cirrhosis causes severe liver damage or progresses to liver failure. The evaluation for a transplant is complex and generally requires several months. Therefore, even patients who feel well should be referred for a transplant at the first sign of liver failure, or if they have advanced liver disease diagnosed by X-ray studies or liver biopsy.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Treatments we specialize in

Recommended reading

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