Bile acid sequestrants for cholesterol
Improving your cholesterol levels can help protect you from:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Your health care provider will work with you to lower your cholesterol by improving your diet. If this is not successful, medicines to lower the cholesterol may be the next step.
Statins are thought to be the best drugs to use for people who need medicines to lower their cholesterol.
Some people may be prescribed these medicines in combination with other drugs. They may also need to take them if other medicines are not tolerated due to allergies or side effects.
Both adults and teenagers can use this medicine when needed.
Take your medicines as directed. You may take this medicine 1 to 2 times per day or more often in smaller doses. Do not stop taking your medicine without first talking with your provider.
This medicine comes in pill or powder form.
- You will need to mix powder forms with water or other fluids.
- The powder may also be mixed with soups or blended fruit.
- Pill forms should be taken with plenty of water.
- Do not chew or crush the pill.
You should take this medicine with food, unless otherwise directed.
Store all of your medicines in a cool, dry place. Keep them where children cannot get to them.
You should follow a healthy diet while taking bile acid sequestrants. This includes eating less fat in your diet. Other ways you can help your heart include:
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress
- Quitting smoking
Before you start taking bile acid sequestrants, tell your provider if you:
- Have bleeding problems or stomach ulcers
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Have allergies
- Are taking other medicines
- Plan to have surgery or dental work
If you have certain conditions, you may need to avoid this medicine. These include:
- Liver or gallbladder problems
- High triglycerides
- Heart, kidney, or thyroid conditions
Tell your provider about all of your medicines, supplements, vitamins, and herbs. Certain medicines may interact with bile acid sequestrants. Be sure to tell your provider before taking any new medicines.
Taking this medicine may also affect how vitamins and other medications are absorbed in the body. Ask your provider if you should take a multivitamin supplement.
Regular blood tests will tell you and your provider how well the medicine is working.
Constipation is the most common side effect. Other possible side effects may include:
- Heartburn
- Gas and bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Muscles aches and pains
You should contact your provider if you have:
- Vomiting
- Sudden weight loss
- Bloody stools or bleeding from the rectum
- Bleeding gums
- Severe constipation
American Heart Association website. Cholesterol medications. www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications. Updated February 20, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024.
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Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019;73(24):3234-3237. PMID: 30423391 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30423391/.
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Reviewed By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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