Why is this medicine prescribed?
Chenodiol is used to help dissolve a certain type of gallstones. It is also used to treat people with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX; a condition that causes high levels of cholesterol in the body). Chenodiol is in a class of medications called bile acids. It works by dissolving cholesterol that makes gallstones. It also stops production of cholesterol in the liver.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Chenodiol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take it with or without food 2 or 3 times a day. Take Chenodiol at around the same time(s) every day.
Take chenodiol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
You will probably be started on a low dose of chenodiol. Your dose will then be gradually increased weekly.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking chenodiol,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with chenodiol. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with chenodiol. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting chenodiol with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking chenodiol, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- tell your doctor if you have liver disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take chenodiol.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking chenodiol, call your doctor immediately. Chenodiol may harm the fetus.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222
. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- nausea, dizziness, diarrhea
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Chenodiol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, gas
- muscle weakness
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking chenodiol and call your doctor immediately:
- abdominal pain, bruising, dark-colored urine, fatigue, bleeding, nausea, pruritus, yellowing of eyes and skin
- sudden, worsening pain in the upper right part of abdomen (for gallstone treatment)
Chenodiol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (
1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to chenodiol.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.