What is deoxycholic acid (Kybella)? What is Kybella used for?
Deoxycholic acid (Kybella) is an
injectable medication used for reducing fat in the submental region of the face
(below the chin). Deoxycholic acid destroys the cell membrane of fat cells
causing fat cells to die. Reducing the number of fat cells reduces fat under the
chin. It should not be injected in other tissues because it also destroys other
cells. In clinical studies 43% of people who received deoxycholic acid achieved
a 10% reduction in submental fat volume after six or fewer treatment. Only 5% of
people who received placebo achieved a 10% reduction in submental fat.
Deoxycholic acid was approved by the FDA in April, 2015.
What brand names are available for deoxycholic acid (Kybella)?
Kybella
Is deoxycholic acid Kybella available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for deoxycholic acid Kybella?
Yes
What are the side effects of deoxycholic acid (Kybella)?
Side effects of deoxycholic acid include:
- injection site swelling,
- edema,
- pain,
- numbness,
- hematoma (collection of blood in tissues),
- skin redness (erythema),
- headache,
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- high blood pressure, and
- nausea.
Injecting deoxycholic acid outside the submental area can cause damage to
surrounding tissues. Injecting deoxycholic acid into the dermis may cause skin
ulceration. Injecting deoxycholic acid into or in close proximity to the facial
nerve may cause asymmetric smile and facial muscle weakness.
What is the dosage for deoxycholic acid (Kybella)?
The recommended dose is 0.2 ml injections spaced
1-cm apart until all sites in the planned treatment area have been injected.
Patients may receive up to 50 injections or 10 mL per treatment, and 6 single
treatments may be administered at intervals at least 1 month apart. Deoxycholic
acid must be administered by a healthcare professional. It should not be
administered if the treatment area is infected.
Which drugs or supplements interact with deoxycholic acid (Kybella)?
There are no known drug interactions.
Prior surgeries or aesthetic treatment of the submental area may impact response
to deoxycholic acid.
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Is deoxycholic acid (Kybella) safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies of deoxycholic acid
in pregnant women.
Deoxycholic acid has not been evaluated in nursing
mothers.
What else should I know about deoxycholic acid (Kybella)?
What preparations of deoxycholic acid (Kybella) are available?
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 2 ml vials for
single-patient use.
How should I keep deoxycholic acid (Kybella) stored?
Deoxycholic acid vials should be stored at room
temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).