Colesevelam is a drug that has been approved for the treatment of hyperlipidemia since 2000. It was
approved by the FDA for use in
type 2 diabetes in 2008.
colesevelam
- Brand name in US: Welchol®
- Class:
bile acid sequestrant
- For: Type 2 diabetes. Should be used in combination with other diabetes medications
such as metformin or a sulfonylurea or insulin.
(Welchol has not been studied in type 2 diabetes as monotherapy.)
- Route of Administration: oral.
Recommended dose is 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice
daily, taken with a meal and liquid.
- Action:
"The mechanism by which WELCHOL improves glycemic
control is unknown." (from the approved label, see below).
- Manufacturer: Daiichi Sankyo
- Status: Approved in USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2008
- Source: Welchol prescribing information; press release from manufacturer (see below).
- Side effects:
Constipation,
dyspepsia, and nausea
- Other approved drugs in the same class: none
Also see
Welchol prescribing information at FDA website
[PDF file]
Welcoming Welchol
By David Mendosa
Two Studies at AACE 2009 Annual Meeting Highlight Effects of Welchol (colesevelam HCl) on Blood Glucose and LDL-C in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
[PDF file]
(press release from manufacturer)
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