Chenodal

Chenodal is made from bile acid, which is a substance that naturally occurs in the body.

Chenodal is used to dissolve gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery.

Chenodal may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take Chenodal in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Chenodal is usually taken 2 times each day until your gallstones are completely dissolved. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Chenodal is usually given for no longer than 2 years.

Use Chenodal regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

It may take up to 12 months before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 months of treatment.

While using Chenodal, you may need frequent blood tests. You may also need an occasional ultrasound or x-ray examination of your gallbladder.

Chenodal is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include weight control and a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Even with treatment, there is a chance that your gallstones may return within 5 years. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk. Chenodal will not prevent gallstones from occurring.

You should not use Chenodal if you have liver disease, cirrhosis, or certain conditions that cause a blockage in your digestive system.

Chenodal can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.

You should not use Chenodal if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are pregnant;
• you have a bile duct obstruction or other disorder;
• you have pancreatitis related to your gallstones;
• you have cirrhosis or other liver disease; or
• you have a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

To ensure Chenodal is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have a history of liver problems or jaundice.

Do not use Chenodal if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

It is not known whether chenodiol passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Chenodal may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• worsening or no improvement of your gallstone symptoms;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea; or
• liver problems--loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach, feeling very tired, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Chenodal may include:

• mild stomach cramps; or
• abnormal blood tests (low white blood cells, high cholesterol or triglycerides).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you start or stop using, especially:

• cholestyramine;
• colestipol;
• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• antacids that contain aluminum--Almacone, Gelusil, Maalox, Mag-al Plus, Mylanta, Rulox, and others; or
• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chenodiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.