What is colesevelam, and what is it used for?
Colesevelam is a medicine used to help lower cholesterol and to improve blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes. It works by binding bile acids in the digestive tract so they can’t be reabsorbed, which changes how the body handles fats and glucose.
How is colesevelam taken (and what should I know before starting)?
Colesevelam is typically taken by mouth as directed on the prescription. Many forms of bile-acid–binding medicines can reduce absorption of other drugs if taken too close together, so clinicians often separate dosing times from other medications.
What side effects are most common with colesevelam?
Common side effects reported for colesevelam class medicines can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and gas. If you get severe constipation or worsening abdominal pain, contact a clinician promptly.
What drug interactions should be considered?
Because colesevelam binds substances in the gut, it can interfere with absorption of some other medications. Your pharmacist or prescriber usually checks for interactions and may recommend spacing colesevelam from other prescriptions.
Does colesevelam affect cholesterol and diabetes differently?
Colesevelam is used in two main ways depending on the condition being treated:
- For cholesterol lowering, it can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- For diabetes management, it can help improve blood sugar control in people whose treatment plan includes it.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
Take the missed dose when you remember if it’s close to the next scheduled dose—otherwise skip it and continue your regular schedule. Follow the specific instructions from your prescription label or prescriber.
Where can I find the WebMD page for colesevelam?
Search WebMD directly for “colesevelam” to see the most up-to-date details like dosing, side effects, warnings, and interactions.
Sources:
1. DrugPatentWatch.com