COLESEVELAM
Brand names: COLESEVELAM, Colesevelam
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis : Colesevelam hydrochloride can increase TG. Hypertriglyceridemia can cause acute pancreatitis. Monitor lipids, including TG. Instruct patients to discontinue colesevelam hydrochloride and seek prompt medical attention if the symptoms of acute pancreatitis occur ( 5.1 ). Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Cases of bowel obstruction have occurred. Colesevelam hydrochloride is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, and in those who have had major gastrointestinal tract surgery and who may be at risk for bowel obstruction ( 5.2 ). Vitamin K or Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiencies: Colesevelam hydrochloride may decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Patients with a susceptibility to deficiencies of vitamin K (e.g., patients on warfarin, patients with malabsorption syndromes) or other fat-soluble vitamins may be at increased risk. Patients on oral vitamin supplementation should take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride ( 5.3 ). Drug Interactions: Due to the potential for decreased absorption of other drugs that have not been tested for interaction, consider administering at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride ( 5.4 , 7 , 12.3 ). 5.1 Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis Colesevelam hydrochloride, like other bile acid sequestrants, can increase serum TG concentrations. Hypertriglyceridemia can cause acute pancreatitis. Colesevelam hydrochloride had effects on serum TG (median increase 5% compared to placebo) in trials of patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Obtain lipid parameters, including TG levels, before starting colesevelam hydrochloride and periodically thereafter. Colesevelam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with TG levels >500 mg/dL or patients with a history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Patients with TG levels greater than 300 mg/dL could have greater increases in serum TG levels with colesevelam hydrochloride and may require additional TG monitoring. Instruct patients to discontinue colesevelam hydrochloride and seek prompt medical attention if the symptoms of acute pancreatitis occur (e.g., severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting). Discontinue colesevelam hydrochloride if TG levels exceed 500 mg/dL [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 5.2 Gastrointestinal Obstruction Postmarketing cases of bowel obstruction have occurred with colesevelam hydrochloride [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Because of its constipating effects, colesevelam hydrochloride is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, and in those who have had major gastrointestinal tract surgery and who may be at risk for bowel obstruction. Colesevelam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a history of bowel obstruction [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Instruct patients to promptly discontinue colesevelam hydrochloride and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs. Because of the tablet size, colesevelam hydrochloride tablets can cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction. For patients with difficulty swallowing tablets, use colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension. 5.3 Vitamin K or Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiencies Colesevelam hydrochloride may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Patients with a susceptibility to deficiencies of vitamin K (e.g., patients on warfarin, patients with malabsorption syndromes) or other fat-soluble vitamins may be at increased risk when taking colesevelam hydrochloride. Patients on oral vitamin supplementation should take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . 5.4 Drug Interactions Colesevelam hydrochloride reduces gastrointestinal absorption of some drugs. Administer drugs with a known interaction at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Due to the potential for decreased absorption of other drugs that have not been tested for interaction, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, consider administering at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Colesevelam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with: Serum TG concentrations > 500 mg/dL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] History of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] A history of bowel obstruction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Patients with serum triglyceride levels >500 mg/dL ( 4 ). Patients with a history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis ( 4 ). Patients with a history of bowel obstruction ( 4 ).
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Colesevelam hydrochloride is not absorbed and the risk of systemic toxicity is low. Excessive doses of colesevelam hydrochloride may cause more severe local gastrointestinal effects (e.g., constipation).
Drug interactions
5.4 Drug Interactions Colesevelam hydrochloride reduces gastrointestinal absorption of some drugs. Administer drugs with a known interaction at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Due to the potential for decreased absorption of other drugs that have not been tested for interaction, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, consider administering at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Colesevelam hydrochloride is a bile acid sequestrant indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to: reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia ( 1.1 ). reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), unable to reach LDL-C target levels despite an adequate trial of diet and lifestyle modification ( 1.1 ). improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( 1.2 ). Limitations of Use ( 1.3 ) Do not use for treatment of type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis. Not studied in Fredrickson Type I, III, IV, and V. 1.1 Primary Hyperlipidemia Colesevelam hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Colesevelam hydrochloride tablets are indicated to reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who are unable to reach LDL-C target levels despite an adequate trial of dietary therapy and lifestyle modification. 1.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Colesevelam hydrochloride is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 1.3 Limitations of Use Colesevelam hydrochloride should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Colesevelam hydrochloride has not been studied in Fredrickson Type I, III, IV, and V dyslipidemias.
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Obtain lipid parameters, including serum triglyceride (TG) levels before starting colesevelam hydrochloride ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage for adults and for boys and postmenarchal girls aged 10 to 17 years with primary hyperlipidemia is 3.75 grams daily. The recommended dosage for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 3.75 grams daily. Colesevelam hydrochloride should be taken as follows ( 2.2 , 2.4 ): Tablets Take 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily with a meal and liquid. 2.1 Testing Prior to Initiation of Colesevelam Hydrochloride Tablets Obtain lipid parameters, including triglyceride (TG) levels before starting colesevelam hydrochloride. Colesevelam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with TG levels >500 mg/dL [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Primary Hyperlipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus The recommended dosage of colesevelam hydrochloride for adults and for boys and postmenarchal girls aged 10 to 17 years with primary hyperlipidemia is 3.75 grams daily. The recommended dosage of colesevelam hydrochloride for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 3.75 grams daily. Colesevelam hydrochloride should be taken as follows: Take 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. Due to tablet size, colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension is recommended for use in the pediatric population. 2.3 Important Dosing Information for Primary Hyperlipidemia Colesevelam hydrochloride can be dosed at the same time as a statin, or colesevelam hydrochloride and the statin can be dosed apart. Monitor lipid levels within 4 to 6 weeks after initiation of colesevelam hydrochloride. 2.4 Administration Instructions Take colesevelam hydrochloride tablets with a meal and liquid. For patients with difficulty swallowing tablets, use colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].