Colesevelam - a lipid-lowering medicine Cholestagel

About colesevelam

Colesevelam works in the body as a bile acid sequestrant. This means that it binds to bile acids in your digestive system. It prevents the bile acids from being recycled (reabsorbed) into your body. This action can be useful for people who have higher than normal levels of cholesterol in their blood.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat. Lipids are easily stored in your body and serve as a source of energy. They are made naturally in your body from the food you eat. When the concentration of cholesterol in your blood is too high, it is called hypercholesterolaemia. By taking colesevelam, it prevents your bile acids from being reabsorbed and as a consequence your liver has to make more bile acids. It does this by using cholesterol from your blood. This lowers the amount of cholesterol in your blood and reduces your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Colesevelam may be prescribed on its own to treat high cholesterol, or you may also be given other lipid-lowering medicines to take alongside it.

Before taking colesevelam

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking colesevelam it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
• If you have a condition which blocks the flow of bile from your liver.
• If you have any bowel problems such as a blockage, an inflammatory bowel disease, bowel movement problems, or if you have recently had any bowel surgery.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take colesevelam

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about colesevelam and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to be prescribed 4-6 tablets a day, taken in either one or two doses. Take colesevelam tablets with some food such as a snack, or straight after a meal. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.
• Colesevelam tablets can stop the absorption of many other medicines. If you are taking other medicines, these should be taken four hours before you take colesevelam or 4-6 hours afterwards. This is particularly important if you are taking the combined oral contraceptive 'pill'. If, however, you are taking a statin medicine or a medicine called ezetimibe to help reduce your cholesterol, these medicines can be taken at the same time as colesevelam. If you have any problems planning when to take your medicines speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of tablets each day.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You will need to have blood tests from time to time to measure your cholesterol level.
• Taking colesevelam over a period of time can reduce your body's absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D and K) and folic acid. Your doctor may advise you to take a supplement containing these vitamins.
• Your doctor may give you advice about lifestyle changes that could help you get the most out of your treatment. This may include reducing the amount of salt in your diet, stopping smoking, losing weight, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink, and taking regular exercise. Following this advice will help you to reduce your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease in the future.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take.
• Treatment with colesevelam is usually long-term.

Can colesevelam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with colesevelam. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store colesevelam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines