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 healthcare 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.
How should I take colesevelam?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a meal and a full glass of water or other liquid.
You may have to take up to 7 tablets at a time each time you take colesevelam. Follow
your doctor's instructions.
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.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store colesevelam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of colesevelam?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food
and a full glass of water). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take
the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about colesevelam?
Your pharmacist has information about colesevelam written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of colesevelam?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using colesevelam and call your doctor at once if you have severe constipation
or stomach pain.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 should I avoid while taking colesevelam?
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.
What other drugs will affect colesevelam?
Do not take your other medications at the same time you take colesevelam, unless
your doctor has told you to. Colesevelam can make it harder for your body to absorb certain
other medications.
Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
phenytoin (Dilantin);
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase Presab, Micronase,
Glucovance);
-
thyroid hormone replacement; or
-
birth control pills.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with colesevelam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications
you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of colesevelam?