What is Chenodiol?
Chenodiol comes from bile acids, which are found naturally in our bodies.When gallbladder surgery is not an option, chenodiol can be used to dissolve stones.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of chenodiol.
Side effects of Chenodiol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Chenodiol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Gallstones symptoms that worsen or do not improve;
- Severe or ongoing diarrhoea;
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, fatigue, easy bruising, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice
Chenodiol can cause a variety of side effects.
- Mild stomach cramps
- Abnormal blood tests (lower white blood cell count, higher cholesterol, and triglycerides)
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you suffer from liver disease or cirrhosis, as well as certain conditions that can cause obstructions in the digestive system, then you should avoid using chenodiol.Chenodiol may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. Use caution if pregnant.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to chenodiol, or:
- You are pregnant.
- You have bile-duct obstruction or another disorder.
- You have pancreatitis due to gallstones.
- You have cirrhosis or another liver disease.
- You have a blockage of your digestive system (stomach, intestines).
Tell your doctor about any liver disease or jaundice you may have had in the past.Avoid using chenodiol while pregnant. It may harm your unborn child or cause birth defects. While using this medication, use birth control to avoid pregnancy.It is unknown if chenodiol can pass into breast milk or if the baby who is nursing could be affected. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take chenodiol?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of chenodiol. Take chenodiol only as prescribed. Do not exceed or take longer than recommended dosage.Take chenodiol twice a day until the gallstones have completely disappeared. Please follow your doctor's advice.Chenodiol should not be taken for more than two years.
Regular use of chenodiol will provide the best results. Refill your prescription before you run out.Your symptoms may not improve for up to 12 months. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms after six months.You may need to have frequent blood tests while using chenodiol. Your gallbladder may need to be x-rayed or scanned on occasion.
Chenodiol may be part of an overall treatment programme that includes weight management and a special dietary plan. Your doctor or nutritionist will have a diet plan for you. Follow it. Learn about the foods that you should avoid in order to control your condition.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.There is still a possibility that gallstones will return in 5 years, even if you have been treated. Speak to your doctor regarding your particular risk. Chenodiol does not prevent gallstones.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for gallbladder disease:
Initial dose: 250mg orally twice a day.
Maintenance dose: 13–16 mg/kg/day, divided into 2 doses.
Duration of treatment: 24 months
Comments:
After the first two weeks, the dose can be increased each week by 250 mg/day until you reach the maximum tolerable dose or the recommended dose.
Doses below 10 mg/kg are usually ineffective and can be associated with a higher risk of cholecystectomy.
At 6–9 months, oral cholecystograms and ultrasonograms are recommended.
The majority of patients will have at least partial dissolution on the first test after treatment. After 1 to 3 months, the complete dissolution of the stent should be confirmed by an oral cholecystogram (or ultrasonogram).
Use: Patients who have radiolucent stones within well-opacifying bile ducts and would undergo selective surgery except in the presence of systemic disease or age or increased surgical risks.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Obey any restrictions that your doctor may have placed on you regarding food, beverage, or physical activity. Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Cholestyramine;
- Colestipol;
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- Antacids that contain aluminium: Almacone (Gelusil), Maalox (Mag-al Plus), Mylanta (Rulox), and others.
- A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with chenodiol. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
