Deoxycholic Acid (Subcutaneous Route) : A Summary

Brand Name:

Kybella

Deoxycholic acid is a bile acid used for the improvement of the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin. This drug is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your healthcare professional.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. This drug is contraindicated for use in children while the safety and efficacy of this drug is not yet established. Problems in the elderly with this drug have not been reported. 

Adjustments in the dose of elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription and nonprescription drugs. 

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Bleeding problems, Trouble swallowing, Infection at the injection site, Medical conditions in or near the neck area, or surgery or cosmetic treatment on the face, neck, or chin.

A trained healthcare professional will give you this drug. This drug is injected into the fat under the skin of your chin. Consult with your healthcare professional for any concerns.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Nerve injury in the jaw can be caused by this drug. Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have an uneven smile or muscle weakness in the face. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are using any antiplatelet drug or a blood thinner since this drug may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in the treatment area.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• nausea
• headache
• muscle weakness in the face pain in the mouth or throat
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• trouble swallowing
• uneven smile
• fainting
• neck pain
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck
• bleeding, blistering, bruising, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin
• feeling of pressure
• hives
• infection,
• inflammation
• itching
• lumps
• numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tightness of the skin 
• tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.