Brand Name

Colesevelam

View Brand Information
FDA approval date: May 17, 2018
Classification: Bile Acid Sequestrant
Form: Tablet, Powder, For

What is Colesevelam?

Colesevelam hydrochloride is a bile acid sequestrant indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to: reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia.
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Related Clinical Trials

Assessing the Impact of a Bile Acid Sequestrant on Serum PFAS Levels in Highly Exposed Individuals

Summary: This randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial will test the feasibility and acceptability of using colesevelam in male firefighters with high per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure. This trial will also explore whether colesevelam lowers blood PFAS levels and urine environmental toxicant and mold mycotoxin levels.

Metabolic Effects of Endogenous Bile Acids After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Summary: Non-randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical study evaluating the effects of endogenous bile acids on changes in plasma fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) and glucose metabolism by extended depletion of circulating bile acids using colesevelam as an experimental tool in subjects operated with gastric by-pass (RYGB).

Brand Information

Colesevelam hydrochloride (Colesevelam hydrochloride)
1DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS
  • Colesevelam Hydrochloride for Oral Suspension: a white to yellow granular powder containing yellow granules packaged in single-dose packets: 3.75 gram single-dose packet.
2CONTRAINDICATIONS
Colesevelam hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with:
  • Serum TG concentrations greater than 500 mg/dL
  • History of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis
  • A history of bowel obstruction
3ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:
  • Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis
  • Gastrointestinal Obstruction
  • Vitamin K or Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiencies
3.1Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Primary HyperlipidemiaIn 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, 807 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (age range 18 to 86 years, 50% women, 90% Caucasians, 7% Blacks, 2% Hispanics, 1% Asians) and elevated LDL-C were treated with colesevelam hydrochloride 1.5 g/day to 4.5 g/day from 4 to 24 weeks (total exposure 199 patient-years). 
Table 1
Clinical Studies of Colesevelam Hydrochloride for Primary Hyperlipidemia: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Patients and More Commonly than in Placebo
Pediatric Patients 10 to 17 Years of AgeIn an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, boys and post-menarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with HeFH (n=194), were treated with colesevelam hydrochloride tablets (1.9 to 3.8 g, daily) or placebo tablets.
Table 2
Clinical Study of Colesevelam Hydrochloride for Primary Hyperlipidemia in HeFH Pediatric Patients: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of Patients and More Commonly than in Placebo
The reported adverse reactions during the additional 18-week open-label treatment period with colesevelam hydrochloride 3.8 g per day were similar to those during the double-blind period and included headache (7.6%), nasopharyngitis (5.4%), upper respiratory tract infection (4.9%), influenza (3.8%), and nausea (3.8%).
3.2Post-marketing Experience
The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of colesevelam hydrochloride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Adverse Reactions Resulting from Drug Interactions[see Drug Interactions (: Increased seizure activity or decreased phenytoin levels in patients receiving phenytoin, reduced International Normalized Ratio (INR) in patients receiving warfarin therapy, and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Gastrointestinal: Bowel obstruction (in patients with a history of bowel obstruction or resection), dysphagia or esophageal obstruction (occasionally requiring medical intervention), fecal impaction, pancreatitis, abdominal distension, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, and increased transaminases
Laboratory Abnormalities: Hypertriglyceridemia
4OVERDOSAGE
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).
5DESCRIPTION
Colesevelam hydrochloride is a non-absorbed, polymeric, lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering agent for oral administration. Colesevelam hydrochloride is a high-capacity bile acid-binding molecule.
Colesevelam hydrochloride is poly(allylamine hydrochloride) cross-linked with epichlorohydrin and alkylated with 1-bromodecane and (6-bromohexyl)-trimethylammonium bromide. The chemical name (IUPAC) of colesevelam hydrochloride is allylamine polymer with 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane, [6-(allylamino)-hexyl]trimethylammonium chloride and N-allyldecylamine, hydrochloride. The chemical structure of colesevelam hydrochloride is represented by the following formula:
wherein (a) represents allyl amine monomer units that have not been alkylated by either of the 1-bromodecane or (6-bromohexyl)-trimethylammonium bromide alkylating agents or cross-linked by epichlorohydrin; (b) represents allyl amine units that have undergone cross-linking with epichlorohydrin; (c) represents allyl amine units that have been alkylated with a decyl group; (d) represents allyl amine units that have been alkylated with a (6-trimethylammonium) hexyl group, and m represents a number ≥ 100 to indicate an extended polymer network. A small amount of the amines are dialkylated and are not depicted in the formula above. No regular order of the groups is implied by the structure; cross-linking and alkylation are expected to occur randomly along the polymer chains. A large amount of the amines are protonated. The polymer is depicted in the hydrochloride form; a small amount of the halides are bromide. Colesevelam hydrochloride is hydrophilic and insoluble in water.
Colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension is a citrus-flavored, a white to yellow granular powder containing yellow granules packaged in single-dose packets containing 3.75 gram colesevelam hydrochloride. In addition, each packet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, medium chain triglycerides, simethicone emulsion, colloidal silicon dioxide, propylene glycol alginate, magnesium trisilicate, lemon-lime flavor, orange flavor, citric acid monohydrate, and aspartame (<5 calories per 3.75 gram single-dose packet).PHENYLKETONURICS: colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension contains 33.6 mg phenylalanine per 3.75 gram dose.
6HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
Colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension is a white to yellow granular powder containing yellow granules.
Colesevelam hydrochloride for oral suspension is available as follows:
  • 3.75 gram single-dose packet
Cartons of 30 packets – NDC 67877-523-30

Store at 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].Protect from moisture.
7PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis
Inform patients that colesevelam hydrochloride may increase their serum triglycerides which can lead to hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis. 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) [see Warnings and Precautions (
Gastrointestinal
Inform patients that colesevelam hydrochloride may cause bowel obstruction. Instruct patients to promptly discontinue colesevelam hydrochloride and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (
Drug and Vitamin Interactions
Advise patients that colesevelam hydrochloride has drug interactions, and colesevelam hydrochloride may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Instruct patients to take oral vitamins at least 4 hours prior to colesevelam hydrochloride. Instruct patients to inform their physician about all the drugs and vitamins that they are prescribed or take over the counter [see Warnings and Precautions (

Hypertriglyceridemia and Cardiovascular Disease
Inform patients that colesevelam hydrochloride may increase serum triglycerides and that the long-term effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of coronary artery disease is uncertain [see Warnings and Precautions (

Administration [see Dosage and Administration (

For Oral Suspension
Instruct patients to empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup and add 1 cup (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. Advise patients to take colesevelam hydrochloride oral suspension with meals. Advise patient to not take colesevelam hydrochloride oral suspension in its dry form.

Females of Reproductive Potential
Advise females of reproductive potential that colesevelam hydrochloride may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, and to take oral contraceptives at least 4 hours before taking colesevelam hydrochloride [see Drug Interactions (

Manufactured by:
Alkem Laboratories Ltd.,
INDIA.

Distributed by:
Ascend Laboratories, LLC
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Revised: June, 2022
8PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
PACKAGE LABEL - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
ASCEND Laboratories, LLC
PACKAGE LABEL - PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
ASCEND Laboratories, LLC