Chenodal

What is CHENODAL?

(CHENODAL) Chenodiol is used to dissolve certain types of gallstones (non-calcified). Chenodiol is a bile acid. Chenodiol may be tried before surgery in patients that are at high risk of complications from gallstone surgery. If the gallstones do not dissolve, emergency surgery may still be needed.

How should I use CHENODAL?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Aluminum-containing antacids and certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol) can decrease how much of this medication your body absorbs. If you are taking any of these medications, separate them from chenodiol by at least 4 hours. To reduce your risk of side effects such as diarrhea, your doctor will direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea. Your doctor may need to lower your dose or stop the medication. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. It may take up to 24 months before the gall stones are completely dissolved. Your doctor will order tests (gall bladder sonograms or x-rays) to check your progress. Keep all medical appointments. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take CHENODAL?

Before taking chenodiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis), a certain red blood cell problem (hemolysis), regular use/abuse of alcohol. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Estrogen-containing birth control may increase your risk of gall stones. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with CHENODAL?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: estrogens (such as estradiol, estrogen pills/patch/cream, birth control pills/patch/ring), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin).

What if I miss a dose of CHENODAL?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving CHENODAL?

Diarrhea, nausea, or heartburn may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This drug may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Your doctor will order blood tests to check for liver problems. It is very important to keep all lab appointments. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep CHENODAL?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.