Deoxycholic acid (Subcutaneous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Kybella
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent
Uses for deoxycholic acid
Deoxycholic acid is used to help improve the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called double chin.
Deoxycholic acid is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Before using deoxycholic acid
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For deoxycholic acid, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to deoxycholic acid or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Deoxycholic acid is not indicated for use in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of deoxycholic acid have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving deoxycholic acid.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of deoxycholic acid. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bleeding problems or
- Trouble swallowing, or history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
- Infection at the injection site—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
- Medical conditions in or near the neck area (eg, thyroid problems, lymph node problems) or
- Surgery or cosmetic treatment on the face, neck, or chin—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.
