Colesevelam

Colesevelam is used along with diet, weight loss, and exercise to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in the blood. Colesevelam may be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins (atorvastatin [Lipitor], cerivastatin [Baycol], lovastatin [Mevacor], pravastatin [Pravachol], or simvastatin [Zocor]). Colesevelam is also used to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Colesevelam is in a class of medications called bile acid sequestrants. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines to form a product that is removed from the body. Bile acids are made when cholesterol is broken down in your body. Removing these bile acids helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Colesevelam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with meals and a beverage. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take at each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take colesevelam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take colesevelam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking colesevelam without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Side effects from colesevelam can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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gas</li>
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constipation</li>
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nausea</li>
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diarrhea</li>
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abdominal pain</li>
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weakness</li>
<li>
muscle pain</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting</li></ul>Colesevelam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to colesevelam or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants such as warfarin, insulin, and and verapamil (Calan SR). if you are taking phenytoin (Dilantin), glyburide, levothyroxine, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or vitamins, take them at least 4 hours before colesevelam. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had blocked intestines,gastrointestinal surgery, triglyceride (fatty substance) levels greater than 500 mg/dL, or swelling of the pancreas caused by high levels of triglycerides in the blood. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take colesevelam. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gastrointestinal problems, difficulty swallowing foods, triglyceride levels greater than 300 mg/dl, bleeding problems, and low amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in your body.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.