COLESEVELAM

Colesevelam belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by removing bile acid from the body. This causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. It is not known how colesevelam works in lowering blood sugar.

Uses

Along with diet and exercise, it reduces high cholesterol levels. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It is also used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Warnings

Do NOT use colesevelam if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in colesevelam
you have a history of certain bowel problems (eg, blockage, paralysis, slow movement of the bowel muscles) or major stomach or bowel surgery, or you are at risk of bowel blockage
you have very high triglyceride levels or a history of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) caused by high triglyceride levels

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Side Effects

You may experience constipation and upset stomach after taking this drug. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.

To help prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist in selecting a stool softener or a laxative.

Precautions

Precautions

Some medical conditions may interact with colesevelam. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions before using colesevelam, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have trouble swallowing, esophagus problems (eg, inflammation, narrowing), hemorrhoids, low levels of certain vitamins (A, D, E, or K), or nutrient absorption problems
if you have a history of high triglyceride levels, pancreatitis, or stomach or bowel problems

Interactions

Drug interactions may increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. Consult your doctor or pharmacist so they can prevent or manage interactions. Either by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Overdose & Brands

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call emergency hotline.

Available brand:

Colesevelam