Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: COLESEVELAM (koh-leh-SEVV-eh-lam)
This medicine is a bile acid sequestrant used along with diet and exercise to reduce high cholesterol. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used along with other medicines to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking warfarin, prenatal vitamins, or thyroid medicines. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical condition including a history of trouble swallowing, intestinal disorders (e.g., motility disorders, major intestinal surgery), type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, high triglyceride levels, low vitamin K levels, nutrient absorption problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have very high triglyceride levels or a history of bowel obstruction or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) due to high triglyceride levels. Use of this medicine in children is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with plenty of liquid and a meal. If you also take glyburide, birth control pills, phenytoin, or thyroid hormone replacements (such as levothyroxine), take them at least 4 hours before you take this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it with liquid at your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. FOLLOW THE DIETARY AND EXERCISE PLAN provided by your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including a lipid profile may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to begin working. Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF THIS MEDICINE CAUSES CONSTIPATION, check with your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen this effect. FOR DIABETES PATIENTS: This medicine may cause low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (such as tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. DIABETES PATIENTS: Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include mild indigestion or stomach discomfort, constipation, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience choking, difficulty swallowing, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe constipation, or severe stomach pain with or without nausea and vomiting. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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