Chenodiol tablets

What is this medicine?

CHENODIOL (kee no DYE ol) helps dissolve gallstones in patients who cannot have gallbladder surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• dark urine

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• light-colored stools

• severe stomach area pain, especially toward your right side

• severe diarrhea

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• gas

• heartburn

• loss of appetite

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids

• charcoal

• cholestyramine

• clofibrate, fenofibrate, or gemfibrozil

• colesevelam

• colestipol

• female hormones, including estrogens or birth control pills

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• biliary tract disease

• gallbladder disease including blocked bile duct or fistula

• liver disease

• pancreatitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to chenodiol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may take months of therapy to get the right response. Your doctor or health care professional will schedule tests to see if your gallstones are dissolving or if your condition is improving. You will also need to have important blood work done while on this medicine. Report continued or worsened nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain to your doctor.

Antacids may interfere with the absorption of this medicine. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after an antacid dose.