Colesevelam
About Colesevelam
Colesevelam is used together with lifestyle changes and/or certain cholesterol-lowering medicines to treat high cholesterol or familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia. It is also used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Colesevelam contains Colesevelam, which works by binding to the bile acids in the intestine and prevents them from being reabsorbed into the body. Due to this, the liver has to make additional bile acids using cholesterol from the blood. Thereby, it helps lower cholesterol.
In some cases, Colesevelam may cause side effects such as flatulence, constipation, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, and nausea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Let the doctor know if you are allergic to any components in Colesevelam. Do not take Colesevelam if you have bowel obstruction or type 1 diabetes. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform the doctor regarding your health condition and medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Colesevelam
Medicinal Benefits
Colesevelam belongs to a group of medicines called bile acid sequestrants used together with lifestyle changes and certain cholesterol-lowering medicines to treat high cholesterol or familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia. It is also used along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Colesevelam contains Colesevelam, which works by binding to the bile acids in the intestine and prevents them from being reabsorbed into the body. Due to this, the liver has to make additional bile acids using cholesterol from the blood. Thereby, it helps lower cholesterol.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Colesevelam
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Flatulence/wind
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Bloating
Drug Warnings
Do not take Colesevelam if you are allergic to any of its components or if you have a blockage in the intestines or bile ducts, diabetic ketoacidosis, or type 1 diabetes. Inform the doctor if you have difficulty swallowing, major stomach or intestinal disorder, thyroid problems, obstructive liver disease, swelling of the pancreas caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood, high levels of triglycerides (fatty substance) in the blood, diabetic ketoacidosis, phenylketonuria or slow gastric emptying. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants (warfarin), hormones (thyroxine, levothyroxine), oral contraceptives, antihypertensives (olmesartan, verapamil), antidiabetics, antiepileptic (phenytoin), or immunosuppressant (cyclosporin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption syndrome, intestinal obstruction, or phenylketonuria.
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 cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Exercise regularly. It helps maintain proper weight and lowers cholesterol.
- Limit salt and sugar intake. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Choose healthy fats and cut down on trans fats. Include omega-3 fatty acids, fibre-rich food, fruits and vegetables.
- Get active by doing any physical activity such as swimming, brisk walking or jogging. Take stairs instead of elevators/lifts.
Type 2 diabetes:
- Include foods rich in healthy carbohydrates and fibre, such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, in your diet.
- Try eating food at regular intervals. Do not skip meals. Also, try not to overeat.
- Follow a healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
- Rest properly, and avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
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.
Colesevelam should be taken 4 hours after taking oral contraceptives to ensure that the effectiveness of the contraceptive is not affected. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Anti-hypertensive medicines such as verapamil and olmesartan and anti-diabetic medicines like glimepiride and glipizide should be taken at least 4 hours before taking Colesevelam. However, you are advised to consult the doctor before taking other medicines while on treatment with Colesevelam.
