Treatment of Primary biliary cirrhosis

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There is no complete cure for primary biliary cirrhosis but the following therapies can have some effect in managing the condition:

Ursodeoxycholic acid has been shown to have some effect in improving the passage of bile throughout the liver, and seems to have few side effects.
Immunosuppressive therapy involves using drugs such as Cyclosporine that interfere with immune reactions in the body
Liver transplantation may be considered in response to liver failure, or if the patient has uncontrollable pruritus or severe osteoporosis.

Symptoms can be alleviated through various types of therapies:

Corticosteroids are drugs that may alleviate symptoms but there is a risk of osteoporosis developing if they are used long term.
Antihistamines are sometimes used but mainly for sedative effect.
Pruritus can be treated with drugs such as cholestyramine or therapies including ultraviolet light exposure
Treatment of sicca syndrome (dryness of eyes or mouth) can be carried out using substances such as artifical tears, lubricating jelly and oestrogen creams, depending on the symptoms.

Other useful measures include:

Vitamin replacement;
Checking thyroid activity;
Weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplements to reduce likelihood of osteoporosis.