cromolyn

This medication is used to treat mastocytosis, a disease that occurs when the body has too many mast cells. These normal body cells release substances (e.g., histamines) that are needed for normal body defense and healing, but when too many mast cells are present, they release too much of these substances. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain, itching, rash, and flushing. Cromolyn belongs to a class of medications called mast cell stabilizers. It works by preventing mast cells from releasing the substances that can cause these skin and gut problems.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using cromolyn and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using this drug to prevent a food allergy or for inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may direct you to take it 15-20 minutes before meals.

Do not swallow the ampules. The contents of the ampules are used to make a solution. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. To make the solution, break open the ampule(s) and squeeze the liquid into a glass of water. Do not mix with fruit juice, soda, milk, or any fluid except plain water. Stir the solution well. Drink all of the solution right away. Do not mix it ahead of time. Do not take the ampules out of their foil pouch until right before using.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

This medication does not work right away. You need to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It may take 2-3 weeks before you see a benefit from this medication. Your doctor may change your dose to find the best dose for you.

Do not use this form of cromolyn for inhalation (e.g., in a nebulizer), in the nose, or by injection. It is for oral use (swallowing) only. It does not work to treat breathing problems, nasal/seasonal allergies, or other allergic reactions.

Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Headache, muscle aches, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking cromolyn, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Keep the ampules in their foil pouches at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light until ready for use. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you have already had your meal, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.