Colesevelam
About Colesevelam
Colesevelam is a suspension prescribed to help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called 'bad' cholesterol, in adults and children aged 10 to 17. It is also used to help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine works locally in your digestive tract and is always used alongside a proper diet and exercise programme.
For the best results, you must take Colesevelam consistently every day exactly as directed by your doctor. This medicine should always be taken with a meal and plenty of liquid to help it work correctly and prevent stomach issues. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and managing your weight are essential to support the effects of this treatment.
While taking Colesevelam, you may experience mild digestive side effects like constipation, gas, or an upset stomach. Most of these symptoms are temporary, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, worsening constipation, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Talk to your doctor before starting Colesevelam if you have a history of stomach or bowel blockages, severe constipation, or high triglyceride levels. Do not take this medicine if you have a history of bowel obstruction, if your blood triglycerides are extremely high (over 500 mg/dL), or if you have ever had pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
This medicine can bind to other drugs in your stomach, preventing your body from absorbing them properly, so you may need to take your other medications at least four hours before or after taking Colesevelam. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor to ensure this treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
Uses of Colesevelam
Medicinal Benefits
Using Colesevelam as prescribed helps improve both cholesterol and blood sugar control. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Lowers LDL cholesterol: Helps reduce 'bad' cholesterol levels, supporting heart and blood vessel health when used with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Improves blood sugar control: Helps lower HbA1c and maintain healthier blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Supports long-term cardiovascular health: By improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels, Colesevelam helps reduce the risk of future heart-related complications and supports overall health.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup or dosing syringe.
- Shake the bottle well before each use.
Storage
Side Effects of Colesevelam
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Constipation
- Gas or bloating
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Indigestion
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Severe, ongoing constipation
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling like the medicine is stuck in your throat
- Signs of pancreatitis, such as severe upper stomach pain that spreads to your back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
- Observe the mixture: Ensure the powder is fully suspended in liquid before drinking. It will not dissolve, but it should be evenly distributed without dry clumps.
- Separate your other medications: Take other oral medicines at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking Colesevelam to prevent it from blocking their absorption.
- Monitor your triglycerides: Your doctor will need to check your triglyceride levels regularly. If your triglycerides rise too high, you may need to stop taking this medicine.
- Do not inhale the powder: Be careful not to accidentally inhale the dry powder when opening or mixing the packet, as it can irritate your airway.
- Inform all healthcare providers: Tell all your doctors and dentists that you are taking Colesevelam, especially before starting any new prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Drug Interactions
- Thyroid hormones (levothyroxine): Colesevelam can bind to thyroid medications in your gut, decreasing their absorption and making them less effective. Take thyroid medicines at least 4 hours before taking Colesevelam.
- Blood thinners (warfarin): This medicine can interfere with the absorption of warfarin, which can alter your clotting times. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood clotting levels more closely.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): This medicine may reduce the absorption of certain hormone-based birth control pills. Take your birth control at least 4 hours before your Colesevelam dose.
- Seizure medications (phenytoin) and heart medications (digoxin): Colesevelam can lower the levels of these drugs in your body, reducing their effectiveness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Colesevelam. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionColesevelam belongs to pregnancy category B. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or if you are trying to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionColesevelam may not pass into breast milk. However, consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedColesevelam is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Colesevelam in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a low-cholesterol diet: Focus on foods rich in soluble fibre, such as oats, beans, and lentils, which naturally assist in lowering cholesterol levels. Limit your intake of saturated fats and trans fats found in fried foods and fatty meats.
- Manage carbohydrate intake: If you are taking this medicine to help control your type 2 diabetes, monitor your carbohydrate consumption. Focus on complex, high-fibre carbohydrates to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Because this medicine can cause constipation, maintaining high fluid intake helps keep your digestive system moving smoothly.
- Incorporate regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, per week. Exercise helps raise 'good' (HDL) cholesterol and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Monitor your lab levels: Keep all appointments for scheduled blood tests. Regular monitoring of your lipid profile (cholesterol levels) and HbA1c (blood sugar levels) is vital to ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
High cholesterol: High cholesterol levels in the blood might build up on the walls of the arteries, leading to blockage of blood flow to the heart and other body parts, which could cause heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is mainly of two types, namely 'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'. Bad cholesterol comprises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG), which deposit fat in the arteries, leading to their blockage. Good cholesterol consists of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which prevents the deposition of fats. Risk factors of high cholesterol are high-fat diet, obesity, lack of physical exercise, and smoking.
Type-2 diabetes mellitus: It is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a chronic or lifelong disease that keeps the body from utilizing insulin properly. Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin (a hormone which controls sugar levels in your blood), or the insulin produced cannot perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes symptoms include lack of energy, tiredness, frequent urination, excess thirst, dry mouth, blurry vision, constant hunger, weight loss, and itchy skin.
FAQs
Colesevelam is used to treat high cholesterol. It is also used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Colesevelam works by binding to the bile acids in the intestine and prevents them from being reabsorbed into the body.
Do not discontinue Colesevelam without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Colesevelam for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you have any difficulty taking Colesevelam.
No, you must never swallow Colesevelam powder dry. It can cause choking or severely irritate your throat and oesophagus. Always mix it thoroughly with at least 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or a diet soft drink before consuming. Talk to your doctor.
Colesevelam is not a weight-loss medication, and weight loss is not a direct effect of this medicine. However, because it is prescribed alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity, you may notice changes in your weight as a result of these lifestyle adjustments. Talk to your doctor.
Yes, doctors frequently prescribe Colesevelam alongside other cholesterol-lowering medicines, such as statins, because they work in different ways to lower your cholesterol. Combining them can provide a greater reduction in 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol than using one medicine alone. Talk to your doctor.
No, you should avoid mixing Colesevelam with hot liquids or using it in hot cooking, as heat can alter the structure of the medicine and make it less effective. Mix the powder only with cold or room-temperature liquids. Talk to your doctor.
If you experience mild constipation, drinking more water and eating more fibre-rich foods may help. However, if your constipation becomes severe, painful, or is accompanied by severe stomach aches, you should stop taking the medicine and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Talk to your doctor.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between Colesevelam and alcohol, drinking alcohol can significantly raise your triglyceride levels. Since this medicine can also increase triglycerides, combining the two may raise your risk of developing pancreatitis. Talk to your doctor.
Colesevelam is not absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning it is unlikely to directly harm an unborn baby. However, it can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins that are crucial during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor.
