Kybella Side Effects

Generic name: deoxycholic acid

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 28, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about deoxycholic acid. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Kybella.

Applies to deoxycholic acid: subcutaneous solution.

Serious side effects of Kybella

Along with its needed effects, deoxycholic acid (the active ingredient contained in Kybella) 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

• 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

Other side effects of Kybella

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

• 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

• Nausea

Incidence not known

• Hair loss at the injection site

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to deoxycholic acid: subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer