The Basics
What is Colesevelam?
Used to lower cholesterol to decrease the risk of heart disease and help prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Brand names for Colesevelam
Welchol
How Colesevelam is classified
Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents, Hypoglycemic Agents
Colesevelam During Pregnancy
Colesevelam pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Colesevelam while pregnant
N/A
Taking Colesevelam While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Colesevelam?
Colesevelam is a nonabsorbable resin. Because it does not enter the mother’s bloodstream, it will not reach the infant via breastmilk. It is acceptable for use during lactation.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Colesevelam is a nonabsorbable resin. Because it does not enter the mother’s bloodstream, it will not reach the infant via breastmilk. It is acceptable for use during lactation.
Possible effects of Colesevelam on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Colesevelam
(Hypercholesterolemia) Cholestyramine, Colestipol; (Type 2 Diabetes) Acarbose, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
