What is Lodalis (Colesevelam)?
Lodalis is a bile acid sequestrant medication that is used alongside exercise and dietary changes to treat and lower cholesterol levels in a patient’s blood. This medication is for use by patients who have not responded well or who are otherwise unable to take HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor medications. Its primary FDA-approved indication is to reduce LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol, along with diet and exercise.
This medication may also be used in the management of blood glucose levels for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How is Lodalis Used?
When a patient uses Lodalis alone, without any additional medications that affect their cholesterol levels, they will typically take this medication twice daily, using a dosing size of three tablets (1875 mg of Lodalis). Patients may also take a large dose of six tablets (3750 mg of Lodalis) once per day. The maximum dosage that should be prescribed for any patient using Lodalis is seven tablets, or 4375 mg, within the span of a day. Regardless of dosage, this medication should be taken with a meal.
Patients who are using additional medications to lower their cholesterol will typically be required to take between four and six tablets of Lodalis each day, not exceeding a total of six tablets. When using other medications for the treatment of high cholesterol levels in the blood, the patient’s doctor will provide instructions regarding when to take Lodalis either with or at another time from when they will also be taking their statin medications. If you are taking multiple medications for managing cholesterol levels, please follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for mixing these medications each day.
Patients who have been prescribed the powder form of Lodalis for oral suspension should only consume one packet of the medication, properly prepared, once per day. This suspension should still be consumed with a meal, just as one would need to do when taking the tablet form of Lodalis. Preparation of the oral suspension requires the patient to combine four to eight ounces of liquid (such as water, diet soda, or fruit juice) with one packet of Lodalis and stir until the powder and liquid are well combined. It should then be consumed immediately.
Lodalis is often paired with insulin therapy, sulfonylureas, or metformin when used to balance a patient’s blood glucose levels in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Storage
Lodalis should be stored away from moisture and light, and it should be kept at room temperature. It may be stored within a range of 59°F (15°C) at the lowest and 86°F (30°C) at the highest only for brief periods of time as needed.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets at all times.
Uses
Lodalis is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:
- high levels of cholesterol in the blood
- type 2 diabetes
How Does Lodalis Work?
As a bile acid sequestrant, Lodalis functions by attaching itself to bile acids. It does this within the patient’s intestines, and since it binds to bile acids, which are derived from cholesterol, it removes these from the patient’s body by carrying it through the rest of their digestive tract and allowing this waste to be removed with the feces when the patient using this medication has a bowel movement.
When the detected level of cholesterol-like substances available appears to be lower, the patient’s body then becomes able to pull additional cholesterol from the individual’s blood to create more bile acids like those that were expelled. As the medication allows the liver to borrow more and more cholesterol from the body’s blood supply, this then contributes to a reduction in the amount of cholesterol present within the patient’s bloodstream.
When Lodalis is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this binding mechanism of this medication allows a portion of the patient’s food to be carried out as waste and not properly absorbed in the intestines. Doing this results in lower blood sugar levels due to the impaired absorption caused by taking Lodalis, meaning the food and its respective sugars are unable to be pulled into the body to impact the patient’s blood glucose levels.
Dosage
Lodalis is available in either of the following options regarding dosage and form:
- 75 g powder (for oral suspension)
- 625 mg tablet
The actual dosage a patient will need to take for treatment will vary based on a variety of different factors, such as any other medications they may be taking, any additional health conditions they may have, and their total body weight. Patients should take Lodalis exactly as prescribed by their physician.
If you have any questions regarding your prescribed dosage of Lodalis, please contact your pharmacist or prescribing physician for more information. Do not take Lodalis except exactly as instructed by your doctor.
Overdose
If you have accidentally or intentionally ingested too much Lodalis, please seek out emergency medical attention or contact your local Poison Control Center. A possible side effect of ingesting too much of this medication may be severe constipation. Since Lodalis is not absorbed into the body like many other medications, there is a low risk of toxicity, but digestive disturbances are likely to occur.
Side Effects
Numerous side effects have been reported by patients taking Lodalis, although many of these adverse effects appear to resolve on their own or be well-managed.
The most common side effects of taking Lodalis are as follows:
- abdominal pain
- abnormal bowel movements (stools)
- constipation
- diarrhea
- feelings of weakness
- gassiness
- headaches
- hemorrhoids that increase in severity
- nausea
- muscle aches and pain
- runny nose
- sore throat
Some of the following side effects may occur and should be discussed with your doctor if they remain persistent or increase in severity while taking Lodalis. These symptoms can develop into serious health issues if not treated and resolved promptly:
- flu-like symptoms
- cough
- fever
- fatigue
- sore throat
- severe constipation
- severe diarrhea
- severe nausea
- severe stomach pain
- skin rash
- tarry, black stools
- vomiting
Please seek out emergency medical care if you experience any of the following serious symptoms while taking Lodalis:
- allergic reactions symptoms
- breathing difficulties
- hives
- swelling of the throat or face
- bowel obstruction symptoms
- constipation
- cramps
- distension
- fecal vomiting
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- fecal impaction symptoms
- bloating
- chronic constipation
- loss of appetite
- stomach pain
- pancreatitis symptoms
- nausea
- severe upper abdominal pain (will radiate towards the back)
- vomiting
- trouble swallowing
Warnings & Precautions
Lodalis is associated with a number of potential health risks, especially for those who already have health conditions involving high levels of triglycerides and those who have an increased risk of bowel obstructions. Unlike the tablet form of Lodalis, the powder for oral suspension form of this medication is known to contain phenylalanine. Patients with phenylketonuria should discuss possible alternatives to using the powder form of this medication with their doctor.
The following additional precautions apply to both forms of Lodalis.
Hypertriglyceridemia
The use of Lodalis has been linked to an increase in triglycerides in patients using the medication for treatment. Patients also using sulfonylureas or insulin alongside Lodalis are at a heightened risk for issues associated with high triglycerides. Individuals taking this medication should have their lipid levels regularly monitored while using Lodalis to prevent the occurrence or worsening of hypertriglyceridemia that may result in acute pancreatitis.
Bowel Obstruction and Constipation
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgeries, certain gastrointestinal motility disorders, or gastroparesis should either not be prescribed Lodalis or should exercise extreme caution when taking Lodalis due to its constipating effects, placing these individuals at significant risk of experiencing bowel obstruction. If you are a patient with any of the conditions listed that may place you in the risk category for developing a bowel obstruction, please discuss this with your physician before beginning treatment with Lodalis or any similar medications.
Impaired Medication Absorption
Due to the way in which Lodalis functions, patients using this medication may experience impaired absorption of any other vitamins, supplements, or medications they are using during treatment with Lodalis. It is advised that patients who take other medications or other substances ingest these at least four hours before taking their dose of Lodalis to ensure they are being properly absorbed and not inhibited by the functioning of the bile acid sequestrant.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Lodalis is not recommended for those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. However, if a patient’s doctor feels that the benefits of this medication outweigh the potential risks for a pregnant patient, it may still be used in some circumstances.
It has not been determined whether Lodalis passes into breastmilk, so those who are using this medication and desiring to breastfeed should discuss this issue with their prescribing physician to determine if the dosage of the medication they are using may impact the breastfed child.
Additional Medical Conditions
If you have any of the following medical conditions, exercise caution when taking Lodalis and discuss your medical history with your doctor before beginning this medication:
- A history of bowel motility conditions or bowel surgeries
- A history of bowel obstructions
- Certain vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- High levels of triglycerides (before beginning Lodalis)
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Pancreatitis (due to hypertriglyceridemia)
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Type 1 diabetes
Drug Interactions
Speak to your doctor about any medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking before beginning treatment with Lodalis. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or a trusted pharmacist.
The following medications are known to interact with Lodalis and may increase your chances of experiencing adverse Lodalis side effects. However, some may still be prescribed and used with Lodalis under the supervision of the patient’s prescribing physician:
- Amiodarone
- Anti-coagulant medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Bezafibrate
- Birth control pills
- Calcitriol
- Carbamazepine
- Cholecalciferol
- Corticosteroids
- Cyclosporine
- Deferasirox
- Desogestrel
- Dexamethasone
- Diabetes medications
- Diclofenac
- Dienogest
- Diuretics
- Doxycycline
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Ezetimibe
- Furosemide
- Gestodone
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocortisone
- Ibuprofen
- Indapamide
- Leflunomide
- Levothyroxine
- Levonorgestrel
- Lomitapide
- Mestranol
- Metformin
- Methotrexate
- Minocycline
- Multivitamins
- Mycophenolate
- Mycophenolate mofetil
- Mycophenolic acid
- Naproxen
- Niacin
- Nomegestrol
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- NSAIDs
- Obeticholic acid
- Olmesartan
- Phenytoin
- Pravastatin
- Prednisone
- Propranolol
- Raloxifene
- Repaglinide
- Teriflunomide
- Tetracycline
- Thyroid replacement medications
- Thyroxine
- Ursodiol
- Vancomycin (oral)
- Valproic acid
- Verapamil
- Vitamin D analogs
- Warfarin
Alternative Medications
For patients who are unable to take Lodalis or are experiencing significant adverse side effects, alternative medications may be used to treat some of the associated conditions for which this medication is commonly prescribed.
Some of the alternative medication options for the treatment of high cholesterol include the following:
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Colestid (colestipol)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Praluent (alirocumab)
- Prevalite (cholestyramine)
- Repatha (evolocumab)
- Zetia (ezetimibe)
Some of the alternative medication options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes include the following:
Cost & Ordering Information
Buy Lodalis Through Buy Canadian Insulin
Buy Canadian Insulin helps patients access Lodalis through participating pharmacy partners.
Pricing may vary depending on dosage form, tablet strength, quantity selected, supplier availability, and participating pharmacy partner pricing policies.
Some patients may find pricing through participating pharmacy partners that differs from certain U.S. retail pharmacy prices.
Available services may include:
- Pricing options based on quantity selected
- Prescription processing through participating pharmacy partners
- Shipping options available across eligible U.S. delivery locations
- Ordering support through phone, email, or live chat
- Multiple quantity options depending on prescription authorization and supplier availability
Lodalis requires review and approval by a licensed healthcare professional and pharmacist before dispensing, where applicable.
Prescription Requirements
Lodalis requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Patients must provide a valid prescription before an order can be processed through participating pharmacy partners.
Patients with questions regarding Lodalis, medication timing, drug interactions, side effects, storage, or prescription processing may be able to consult with a licensed pharmacist through participating pharmacy partners when available.
Shipping Information
Shipping timelines may vary depending on prescription review requirements, inventory availability, destination location, and carrier services.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling and shipping procedures.
Tracking information may be available when provided by the carrier.
Pharmacy Fulfillment Information
Some Lodalis prescription orders may be fulfilled through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Product availability, pricing, fulfillment location, and shipping timelines may vary.
Prescription medications are sourced through licensed pharmacy partners and dispensed in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Lodalis Discounts and Coupons
Eligible first-time customers may use coupon code FIRST10 during checkout for qualifying orders, subject to current promotional terms and conditions.
Promotional offers may change without notice and may not be combined with other discounts unless otherwise stated.
Ordering Information
Have a prescription?
Patients may explore available Lodalis prescription options through participating pharmacy partners.
Available ordering features may include:
- Pricing options based on quantity selected
- Multiple quantity options depending on prescription details
- Shipping options with tracking availability when provided by the carrier
- Customer support assistance through phone, email, or live chat
- Online and phone ordering availability
To submit a prescription, patients may:
- Upload a prescription during checkout
- Email a prescription to info@buycanadianinsulin.com
- Fax a prescription to 1-888-234-1275
Prescription orders cannot be processed until all required documentation has been received and reviewed.
Customer Support & Business Information
For questions regarding Lodalis prescription processing, product availability, shipping timelines, account support, or ordering assistance, contact Buy Canadian Insulin customer support:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
Customer Support Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM CST
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
Business Address:
Buy Canadian Insulin
1026 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 1001
Selkirk, MB R1A 4M2
Canada
About Buy Canadian Insulin Services
Buy Canadian Insulin works with participating pharmacy partners to help patients access Lodalis and other prescription medications.
Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary depending on supplier inventory, participating pharmacy partner availability, prescription requirements, and destination location.
Some prescription orders may be fulfilled through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.
Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling and shipping procedures.
Have a prescription?
Order Lodalis online today and enjoy a host of benefits, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
