Cholecystokinin (Injection)

Cholecystokinin is part of a group of medicines called diagnostic aids. Diagnostic aids help diagnose certain medical issues. Cholecystokinin is given by injection before tests to check if the gallbladder and pancreas are functioning properly. It is also used for other tests involving the stomach and intestines.

Cholecystokinin causes the gallbladder to contract (squeeze together). It also stimulates the pancreas to produce enzymes, which are necessary for digestion. Additionally, cholecystokinin increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. If cholecystokinin does not work as expected, the doctor will know there may be a problem with these organs.

The doses of cholecystokinin will vary for different patients and depend on the patient's weight and the type of test being performed.

Cholecystokinin is used only under the supervision of a doctor.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the benefits it will provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. Also, other factors may affect test results. For this test, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your healthcare professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on this medicine have only been done with adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of cholecystokinin in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people compared to younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at or around mealtime or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may impact the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blockage of the intestines—The use of cholecystokinin may worsen this issue.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach pain, cramps, or discomfort
• flushing or redness of skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.