Treatment of Primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis is a type of liver disease that gradually gets worse over time. It does not always have symptoms but, over time, it can lead to liver failure. It can help prevent or delay liver damage in most people, especially if you start taking it in the early stages. Once you start this treatment, it is likely that you will be taking it for the rest of your life. To make the medicine more effective and for general health benefits, you can help yourself by stopping smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and not drinking too much alcohol.