Deoxycholic Acid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 13, 2024.

Applies to deoxycholic acid: subcutaneous solution.

Common side effects of deoxycholic acid

Some side effects of deoxycholic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• bleeding, blistering, bruising, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, rash, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tightness of the skin, tingling, or warmth at the injection site

Less common side effects

• nausea

Incidence not known

• hair loss at the injection site

Serious side effects of deoxycholic acid

Along with its needed effects, deoxycholic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking deoxycholic acid:

Less common side effects

• headache
• muscle weakness in the face
• pain in the mouth or throat
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• trouble swallowing
• uneven smile

Incidence not known

• blue-green to black skin discoloration
• cracking of the skin
• fainting
• neck pain
• pain, redness, or sloughing of the skin at the injection site
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck

For healthcare professionals

Applies to deoxycholic acid: subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain, nausea, dysphagia^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site reactions (96%): edema/swelling (87%), hematoma/bruising (72%), pain (70%), numbness (66%), erythema (27%), induration (23%), paresthesia (14%), nodule (13%), pruritus (12%),
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions: skin tightness, site warmth, marginal mandibular nerve injury
• Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions: hemorrhage, discoloration, urticaria^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Neck pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Pre-syncope/syncope^[Ref]

Further information

Deoxycholic acid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer