Biliary Cirrhosis

1 medicine

Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease caused by progressive bile duct damage, treated primarily with ursodeoxycholic acid to slow progression.

Actigall

Ursodeoxycholic acid

300mg

Actigall is a digestive health medication containing Ursodeoxycholic acid, available as 300mg tablets.

from $2.44 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease in which the bile ducts inside or outside the liver are progressively damaged, causing bile to back up and inflame liver tissue.
  • The most common form, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), is an autoimmune condition diagnosed more often in women over 40.
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is the established first-line treatment; it is a naturally occurring bile acid that improves bile flow and slows disease progression, usually taken long term.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, marked abdominal swelling, or confusion warrant prompt medical review.

What biliary cirrhosis is

Biliary cirrhosis develops when the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gut, are progressively damaged. As bile backs up, it inflames the surrounding liver tissue, and over years this can lead to scarring (cirrhosis). The most common form, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), is an autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakenly attacks the small bile ducts inside the liver. It is diagnosed more frequently in women over 40.

How it is managed

The main treatment goal is slowing bile duct damage and reducing the risk of progression to liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the established first-line agent, a naturally occurring bile acid that improves bile flow, lowers liver enzyme levels, and has been shown to slow the disease over time. Most patients take it long term, often for life.

Living with the condition

Alongside medication, managing day-to-day symptoms such as fatigue, itching, and dry eyes matters a great deal for quality of life. Liver health benefits from a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and regular monitoring of liver function through blood tests. Ongoing specialist follow-up, within broader digestive health care, helps catch changes early and adjust treatment as needed.

When to see a doctor

Yellowing of the skin or eyes, significant abdominal swelling, or confusion are signs of advancing liver disease and warrant prompt medical review rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.