Adult Dosing
Hypercholesterolemia
- 6 tabs PO qd; alt: 3 tabs PO bid
- 3750 mg susp PO qd; alt: 1875 mg susp PO bid
Notes:- Administer with meals
- Administer other oral drugs >4 hrs before colesevelam or monitor other drug levels
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- 6 tabs PO qd; alt: 3 tabs PO bid
- 3750 mg susp PO qd; alt: 1875 mg susp PO bid
Notes:- Administer with meals
- Administer other oral drugs >4 hrs before colesevelam or monitor other drug levels
Pediatric Dosing
Familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia
- 10-17 yrs, males and postmenarchal females
- 3750 mg susp PO qd; alt: 1875 mg susp PO bid
Note:
- Administer with meals
- Administer other oral drugs >4 hrs before colesevelam or monitor other drug levels
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- The effect of this drug on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established
- Therapy is associated with increased risk of worsening serum TG concentrations. Greater increase in TG levels may occur when this drug is used in combination with sulfonylureas/insulin. Hypertriglyceridemia of sufficient severity may cause acute pancreatitis. Prolonged effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of coronary artery disease is uncertain. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the effect of colesevelam on LDL-C levels are attenuated by effects on TG levels and a smaller decrease in non-HDL-C compared to the reduction in LDL-C. It is unknown whether patients with more uncontrolled baseline hypertriglyceridemia would have greater increase in serum TG levels. Obtain lipid parameters, including TG levels and non-HDL-C before initiating use of this drug and thereafter periodically. Discontinue this drug if TG levels >500 mg/dL or if the patient develops hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis
- Bile acid sequestrants are associated with decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Advise patients on oral vitamin supplementation to take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam
- This drug is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis, other GI motility disorders, and in those having major GI tract surgery and who may be at risk for bowel obstruction. Tablets may cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction
- To avoid esophageal distress, avoid taking oral suspension in its dry form. Always mix colesevelam for oral suspension with water before ingesting
- Administer drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam at least 4 hrs prior to administration with this drug. Administer drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, at least 4 hrs prior to colesevelam. Monitor drug levels of the co-administered drug
- Colesevelam for oral suspension contains 13.5 mg phenylalanine/1.875 g packet and 27 mg phenylalanine/3.75 g packet
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- TG levels >300 mg/dL
- Patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders
- Patients susceptible to deficiencies of vitamin K
- Patients susceptible to deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins
- Patients on warfarin
- Patients with malabsorption syndromes
- Phenylalanine-containing forms
Supplemental Patient Information
- Instruct patients to consume a diet that promotes bowel regularity
- Instruct patients to promptly discontinue this drug and seek medical attention on development of severe abdominal pain or severe constipation
Pregnancy Category:B
Breastfeeding: This drug does not enter the mother's bloodstream and will not reach the infant via breastmilk. It is acceptable for use during lactation. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 6 April 2011). According to manufacturer's data colesevelam is not expected to be excreted in human milk as it is not absorbed systemically from the GI tract.
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Welchol 625 MG TABS [Bottle] (SANKYO)
30 mg = $49.99
60 mg = $89.97 - Welchol 3.75 GM PACK [Box] (SANKYO)
30 gm = $265.98
90 gm = $764.96
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
Drug Name: Welchol 625 MG Oral Tablet
Ingredient(s): Colesevelam
Imprint: Sankyo;C01
Color(s): White
Shape: Oval
Size (mm): 19.00
Score: 1
Inactive Ingredient(s): N/A
Drug Label Author:
Daiichi Sankyo, inc.
DEA Schedule:
Non-Scheduled
