When these drugs are used together, high cholesterol can be lowered by more than 40 percent. Your doctor also may recommend combining a bile acid sequestrant with a nicotinic acid medication, instead of a statin, because of side effects associated with statins or if you're unable to afford a statin. Nicotinic acid is niacin , a dietary supplement that is available over-the-counter. Among other things, nicotinic acid, helps convert food into energy.
Prevalite, Questran, and Questran Light are come in powder form and are mixed with a beverage. WelChol is available in tablet form. Colestid comes as either granules to be mixed with a drink or in tablet form. The powder forms should be mixed with either water or juice and taken once or twice each day with meals, per your doctor's instructions.
If you're prescribed a tablet form, be sure to take it with a large amount of fluid to avoid stomach upset. Tell your doctor what other medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicine and vitamins. Your doctor might suggest that you take your other medicines 1 hour before or 4 hours after a bile acid sequestrant. A heart-healthy lifestyle is important for lowering your risk whether you take medicine or not.
This includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking. Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health and perhaps your life at risk. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to.
Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems.
It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Author: Healthwise Staff. I Accept Show Purposes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 9th ed Related Articles. General Information About Welchol Colesevelam. How Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treated? Familial Hypercholesterolemia Test: Results and Treatment. How to Lower High Triglycerides. An Overview of Oral Diabetes Medication. 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. Other ways you can help your heart include: Getting regular exercise Managing stress Quitting smoking. Know Your Risks. 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.
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.
0コメント