What is the most important information I should know about colesevelam?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to colesevelam, or if you have a
bowel
obstruction or if you have ever had
pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, or if you have
a history of major stomach or bowel surgery, a vitamin deficiency, or a blockage in your stomach
or intestines.
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Colesevelam will not be as
effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Do not take any other medications within 4 hours before or after you take
colesevelam. Colesevelam can make it harder for your body to absorb certain other medications.
Stop using colesevelam and call your doctor at once if you have severe
constipation
or
stomach pain.
Colesevelam is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Do not change the dose or timing of any other cholesterol or diabetes medications without
your doctor's advice.
What is colesevelam?
Colesevelam is a cholesterol-lowering drug.
Colesevelam lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density
lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened
arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.
Colesevelam is sometimes used together with another cholesterol-lowering medication
such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol),
rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor).
Colesevelam is also used to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
This medication is not for treating type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Do not take colesevelam if you are in a state of
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor
for treatment with
insulin).
Colesevelam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking colesevelam?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to colesevelam, or if you have a bowel
obstruction or if you have ever had pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
trouble swallowing;
-
a stomach, intestinal, or digestive disorder;
-
a history of major stomach or bowel surgery; or
-
if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take colesevelam.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Taking colesevelam can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins.
These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not take colesevelam without telling
your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
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