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| Pronunciation |
|
 (koh
le SEV a
lam) |
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|
| Brand Names |
|
| WelChol™ |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antilipemic Agent; Bile Acid Sequestrant |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to colesevelam or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you have a blockage in your
intestines.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to decrease the bad cholesterol (low density
lipoprotein). It is used with diet and exercise recommended by healthcare
provider.
- It may be used alone or in combination with another cholesterol
lowering agent.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Colesevelam increases the removal of bad cholesterol through the
intestines.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with a meal.
- Follow diet given by healthcare
provider.
|
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|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible if with a meal.
- Could take with next meal if it is not time for another dose.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- If you have had blockages of your bowel tell healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Belly pain and cramps.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Check lipid (cholesterol) panel. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Severe or problematic constipation (No bowel movement in 3-5 days).
- Any rash.
|
|
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room temperature. Protect from
light.
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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