Gastrointestinal Effects of Colesevelam

Primary Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• Bloating and nausea occur in approximately 40% of patients, but this rate is comparable to placebo (36.4%) 1, 2
• Only 9% of patients are unable to tolerate colesevelam due to unpalatability or side effects, which is substantially lower than traditional bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine 1, 3

Comparative Tolerability Profile

• Side effect rates with colesevelam are similar to placebo in non-gastrointestinal condition studies 1, 2

Practical Administration Strategies to Minimize Side Effects

• Start at a low dose (e.g., ¼ sachet equivalent) and slowly increase over several days 1, 2
• Take colesevelam with meals, not on an empty stomach, to improve tolerability 1, 4