Final answer:
Medications used to slow the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis include ursodeoxycholic acid and, for some patients, obeticholic acid, which help reduce bile toxicity and liver inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), now more commonly referred to as primary biliary cholangitis, is a chronic autoimmune disease of the small bile ducts that can progress to liver failure if untreated. While there is no cure for PBC, certain medications are used to slow its progression. The most commonly used medication is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which can improve liver function and may prolong life for those with this condition. UDCA helps by making the bile less toxic to liver cells and reducing inflammation and fibrosis within the liver. Another medication, obeticholic acid (OCA), is also approved for use in PBC either in combination with UDCA or alone in those who cannot tolerate UDCA.
These treatment strategies help in managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of PBC. However, monitoring the patient's condition and regular consultations with a healthcare provider are essential for managing the disease effectively.