COLESEVELAM - ORAL

COLESEVELAM - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KOE-le-SEV-e-lam)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Welchol

GENERIC NAME(S): colesevelam HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Lowering cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. Colesevelam is also used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Colesevelam belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid-binding resins. Bile acid is a natural substance the liver makes by using cholesterol. This medication works by removing bile acid from the body. This causes the liver to make more bile acid by using cholesterol, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. It is not known how colesevelam works in lowering blood sugar.


How to use COLESEVELAM - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a meal, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take the tablet form with a liquid (such as water, milk). If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, talk to your doctor about switching to the powder form of this medication. If you are using the powder form of this medication, pour the contents of one packet into a glass. Add one-half to one cup (4 to 8 ounces or 120 to 240 milliliters) of water, fruit juice, or diet soda. Stir the mixture well and drink. Do not take the powder without mixing it in liquid. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Colesevelam may decrease the absorption of other products you may be taking. Some examples include cyclosporine, glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as well as birth control pills that contain ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Take other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your medications.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation and upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To help prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist in selecting a stool softener or a laxative. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, unusual bleeding/bruising. This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications, or if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis (caused by high triglyceride levels), high triglyceride levels, trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as constipation, blockage, gastroparesis), recent major intestinal surgery, hemorrhoids. Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, K) when used for a long period of time, your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Take the multivitamin at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose. The powder form of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk or harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: raloxifene, warfarin. Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are unaffected by these drugs. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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COLESEVELAM 625 MG TABLET

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WELCHOL 625 MG TABLET

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WELCHOL 625 MG TABLET

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WELCHOL 3.75G PACKET

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Faq for COLESEVELAM - ORAL

Colesevelam is an oral medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Colesevelam works by binding to bile acids in the intestine, which reduces their reabsorption. This leads to an increased excretion of cholesterol and a decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Colesevelam is primarily used to treat high cholesterol levels, specifically elevated LDL cholesterol levels. It may also be used in combination with other medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The common side effects of Colesevelam include constipation, gas, stomach pain, indigestion, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and may improve over time.

Colesevelam tablets should be taken with a meal and a glass of water to prevent stomach upset. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Yes, Colesevelam can be taken with other medications. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The effects of Colesevelam on cholesterol levels can be seen within a few weeks of starting the medication. However, it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to see the full benefits.

There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Colesevelam. However, it is always recommended to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to optimize its effectiveness.

Colesevelam should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking this medication in these situations.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.