Deoxycholic acid injection is used to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe submental fat ('double chin'; fatty tissue located under the chin). Deoxycholic acid injection is in a class of medications called cytolytic medications. It works by breaking down cells in fatty tissue.
Deoxycholic acid injection comes as a liquid to be injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) by a doctor. Your doctor will choose the best place to inject the medication in order to treat your condition. You may receive up to 6 additional treatment sessions, each spaced 1 month apart, depending on your condition and response as recommended by your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving deoxycholic acid injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Deoxycholic acid injection may cause side effects. Ask your doctor which side effects you are most likely to experience since some side effects may be related to (or occur more often in) the part of the body where you received the injection. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Deoxycholic acid injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about deoxycholic acid injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.