What is the drug colesevelam used for?
Colesevelam is used together with proper diet and exercise to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels. It is also used to lower high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Does colesevelam cause weight gain?
(2009), adverse effects reported with colesevelam included bloating, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, perianal soreness, weight gain and leg and facial oedema. Each of these adverse effects occurred in 7% or fewer people.
When is the best time to take colesevelam?
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 trouble swallowing the tablet, talk to your doctor about switching to the powder form of this medication.
Can colesevelam cause liver problems?
Introduction. Colesevelam is a nonabsorbed bile acid sequestrant that is used a therapy of hyperlipidemia and for the pruritus of chronic liver disease and biliary obstruction. Colesevelam has not been associated with clinically apparent liver injury.
How long does it take for colesevelam to work?
With Welchol, you may start seeing some results in as little as 2 weeks.
What are the symptoms of bile acid malabsorption?
Symptoms of bile acid malabsorption
- watery diarrhoea — often yellow and greasy in appearance.
- needing the toilet often.
- bloating.
- abdominal cramps.
- excessive, smelly wind.
Can I drink alcohol with colesevelam?
This medicine is only part of a total cholesterol or blood sugar-lowering program. Your health care professional or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
Can you drink alcohol while taking colesevelam?
How serious is bile acid malabsorption?
Bile salt malabsorption may also cause cramp-like pains in your abdomen. These can be very severe. You may also suffer from very smelly wind and very erratic bowel movements. Very occasionally, if too much bile salt is lost, sufferers start to lose weight.
What happens if bile acid malabsorption is left untreated?
Untreated bile salt malabsorption can increase your risk of forming gallstones and kidney stones. Vitamin B12 is another vital nutrient which is absorbed into the body at the end of the small bowel.
What should I eat if I have bile acid malabsorption?
Low fat diet: A strict, low fat diet (40g of fat per day) may improve bowel function to some degree even if you have severe bile salt malabsorption. A strict low fat diet should only be considered under the supervision of a dietitian.
Do probiotics help with malabsorption?
In some studies, probiotic supplements containing lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium have been demonstrated effective in supporting beneficial microbes in the SI while improving barrier integrity and reducing nutrient malabsorption and SI disease-related pathology.