Gallstones are a health problem that many people are facing these days. Sometimes, surgery is required for this. However, there are also cases where surgery is not required and these gallstones can be dissolved and cured with pills. In such cases, a special medicine that doctors use is called Chenodiol. Today, we will talk about this medicine clearly, how it works, and what to be careful about while using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine does two main things.
1. Stops the production of cholesterol: The main reason for the formation of gallstones is cholesterol in the body. This medicine works by reducing the production of cholesterol by your liver.
2. Dissolves existing stones: Not only that, this medicine also helps to gradually dissolve the cholesterol contained in stones that have already formed in your gallbladder and remove them from the body.
This is how this medicine helps cure gallstones without surgery.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you Chenodiol, your doctor will ask you about certain things. It is very important to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Biliary tract diseases | These conditions may affect the effectiveness of the medication. |
| Other gallbladder diseases (e.g., bile duct obstruction) | For the medicine to work properly, there must be no blockage in the bile ducts. |
| Liver disease | Because this medication works through the liver, having liver disease can change the effectiveness of the medication. |
| Pancreatitis | There is a slight chance that this condition will worsen due to medication. |
| Allergies to Chenodiol or other medications or foods | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The use of this medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | You should talk to your doctor about whether the medicine passes to your baby through breast milk or not. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
- Drink this medicine with a glass of water.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor or on the medication label.
- Do not take more than the prescribed dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Children may require special care when taking this medicine, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
What if I take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of medicine. If that happens, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Very important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only by your doctor. Never share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking may interact with Chenodiol. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
Here are some of the main things that can cause problems:
- Antacids - Medicines for stomach ulcers
- Charcoal
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (Cholestyramine, Clofibrate, Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil, Colesevelam, Colestipol)
- Estrogen or Progestin hormones
- Warfarin - a medicine that prevents blood clotting
This list is not exhaustive, so it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Be patient: This medicine can take months to show results, so don't expect immediate results.
- See your doctor regularly: Your doctor will check you regularly to see how your treatment is going. You may also need to have scans to see if your gallstones are dissolving and blood tests to check your liver function.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain persist or worsen, tell your doctor.
- Special tip about antacids: If you are taking an antacid for an upset stomach, it can interfere with the absorption of Chenodiol. Therefore, if you are taking an antacid, take it one hour before or two hours after taking this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Chenodiol is a medication that dissolves certain types of gallstones caused by cholesterol.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about your complete health history and all other medications you are taking.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the full duration. It may take months to see results.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience a serious side effect such as severe stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or a severe allergic reaction.
- This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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