Chenodiol Tablets

What is this medication?

CHENODIOL (kee no DYE ol) treats gallstones. It works by stopping your liver from making cholesterol, a substance that causes some types of gallstones to form. It also breaks down the cholesterol that makes up the gallstone.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Chenodal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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 medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antacids
• Charcoal
• Cholestyramine
• Clofibrate, fenofibrate, or gemfibrozil
• Colesevelam
• Colestipol
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take months of therapy to get the right response. Your care team 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 medication. Report continued or worsened nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain to your care team.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

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

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

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

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.