Colesevelam Side Effects

Brand Names: Welchol

Please note - some side effects for Colesevelam may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Colesevelam - for the Consumer

Colesevelam

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Colesevelam:

Constipation; indigestion; muscle aches; nausea; sore throat; stomach pain or discomfort; weakness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); choking; difficulty swallowing; severe constipation; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe stomach pain with or without nausea and vomiting.

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included flatulence (12%), constipation (8.7% to 11%), dyspepsia (3.9% to 8%), diarrhea (5%), and nausea (3% to 4%). Bowel obstruction (in patients with a history of bowel obstruction or resection), dysphagia or esophageal obstruction (occasionally requiring medical intervention), fecal impaction, pancreatitis, abdominal distension, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, and increased transaminases have been reported in postmarketing experience.

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have included infection (10%).

General

In the lipid-lowering trials, 807 patients received at least one dose of colesevelam therapy (total exposure 199 patient-years). In the type 2 diabetes trials, 566 patients received at least one dose of colesevelam therapy (total exposure 209 patient years). In clinical trials for the reduction of LDL-C, 68% of patients receiving colesevelam therapy versus 64% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse event. In clinical trials of type 2 diabetes, 60% of patients receiving colesevelam therapy versus 56% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse event.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included nasopharyngitis (4%), pharyngitis (3%), rhinitis (3%), sinusitis (2%), and increased cough (2%).

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included myalgia (2%).

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included hypoglycemia (3%). Hypertriglyceridemia has been reported in postmarketing experience.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.