Treatment goals
The goal of a PBC treatment plan should be to help slow damage to the bile ducts and lower alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.
There are different treatments available for PBC. Make sure your treatment plan is right for you.
Track your progress on treatment to make sure you’re responding well. Remember: any ALP level above normal carries an increased risk of liver damage. If you’re not seeing the improvement you had hoped for, ask your doctor if there’s more you could do.
The essential PBC glossary
As you do your research on PBC, you may come across a lot of words that are new to you. We’ve created a glossary of common terms to help you in your understanding of this disease.
Learn key PBC termsStart tracking your ALP levels to help you and your healthcare team make the PBC treatment plan that is best for you.
You can use the PBC Living® app on your smartphone for tracking or keep a journal that you take with you to your doctor visits.
Download the PBC Living® appWhen people respond well to treatment:
Many people don’t respond well enough to their first PBC medicine. If your ALP levels are high or increasing, be proactive and talk with your doctor.
Stay in the know
Get access to tools, resources, and educational events, plus connect with other people living with PBC.
It is important to start treatment early because medicine may work best in people whose PBC is still in the early stages
People who don’t respond well to treatment are at the highest risk for disease progression. To make sure you are responding to treatment:
5 tips to help you remember to take your PBC medication
If you feel overwhelmed or sometimes just forget to take your medicine, you’re not alone. Taking your PBC medication as recommended is one of the best ways to keep you healthier longer. This means not missing doses because you forget or run out. Here are some tips that may help.
Even on treatment, your PBC may still be uncontrolled
About 40% of people do not adequately respond to their first PBC medicine. For many of these people, a different medicine may be able to help get their disease under control. If you’re treating but still struggling with high ALP levels, ask your doctor if there’s more you could do.
People with PBC may also have other autoimmune diseases
- It’s important to address all your autoimmune diseases, including PBC, because the conditions may progress even if you are not experiencing symptoms
- Once you are diagnosed with PBC, there are treatments your healthcare provider can prescribe or suggest that may help manage your symptoms—so you can stick to your treatment plan
- Long-term management of your PBC can slow down disease progression, protecting your liver and your health
Managing multiple autoimmune diseases can be overwhelming, but expert help is available.
There are specialists who can help you manage each of your conditions, including PBC. Together with your healthcare team, you can create a treatment plan that works for you.