Re: colestid question for DR.

Posted By Laurie on October 16, 1998 at 09:42:26:

In Reply to: Re: colestid question for DR. posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on October 15, 1998 at 21:12:31:






: : DR, Thank you for all of your help first of all, it is much appreciated from all of us who are suffering
: : I have a question about colestid. A lady on another board is on this too, she said her DR is watching for changed enzymes in her liver.
: : I was told by mt Dr that liver probs were not a side effect of this med. Are they or aren't they? Ias I told you have a fatty liver and worry about what can damage my liver,
: : and try to avoid things that can. I went off the colestid because I got stomach flu like symptoms but my daughter them came down with the stomach flu, so It could have been a viral thing and not the colestid at all.
: : I want to try it again but if it has this kind of side effect I will try some thing else, I had to ask the DR for this anyway, when some one suggested it to me who has good luck on it after a gallbladder removal like mine where she
: : also developed ibs and loose stools afterward. Thanks once again Laurie
Dear Laurie,
The most common side effect of Colestid is constipation, abdominal pain and bloating. Adding dietary fiber or a stool softener may help alleviate this problem. Transient and modest elevations in liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were observed in a few patients treated with this drug for various reasons. It would be very difficult for me to relate your flu-like illness to this medication. I hope you find this information helpful.
: This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you want to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

THANKS DOCTOR FOR YOUR ANSWER, IT DOES HELP, LAURIE
: HFHSM.D.-ym
: *Keywords: colestid, side effects
Dear Laurie,
Thank you for your kind message. I wanted to add one more point to your answer. With long term use of bile acid resin binding agents such as Colestid the absorption of certain medications, vitamins and minerals may be impaired. This has been reported with long-term use. Good luck to you.
My doctor said I can use them as need instead of daily to help with the loose stools, so I hope that i won't have that prob. I only plan on taking them when I really need help like on a trip ect. I am glad I have them as it gives me some control and i feel like a normal person more than I did. I actually have been out looking for work. It has been a long time, thanks Laurie