Prevalite

Prevalite is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. It can also be used as prophylaxis against cholesterol clogging the blood vessels.

For patients with liver problems, this drug can be used to remove excess bile acids that cause itching to your body.

This drug is not readily absorbable in the gut and works by attaching to certain substances in the intestine causing substances along with it to pass out of the body without being absorbed. This drug requires a prescription.

If you are about to start Prevalite, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

This drug does not cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults when taken in effective doses. Patients over 60 years of age are more likely to have side effects due to increased sensitive to the effects of cholestyramine.

Adverse effects have been noted in animal studies but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animals regarding these effects. This drug may alter milk production or composition in breastfeeding women.

Monitor your infant for side effects and adequate milk intake if alternatives for this drug are not prescribed. Drug Interactions Consult your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Deferasirox
• Mycophenolate
• Mofetil
• Mycophenolic Acid
• Aceclofenac
• Amiodarone
• Anisindione
• Cephalexin
• Cerivastatin
• Diclofenac
• Dicumarol
• Digitoxin
• Digoxin
• Ezetimibe
• Furosemide
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Levothyroxine
• Meloxicam
• Metronidazole
• Phenprocoumon
• Propranolol
• Valproic Acid
• Warfarin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with cholic acid is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems especially:

• Bleeding problems
• Constipation
• Gallstones
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Haemorrhoids
• Stomach ulcer or other stomach problems
• Underactive thyroid

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking this drug with current problems such as kidney disease, and phenylketonuria.

Proper usage of Prevalite requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Additional or prolonged doses could increase the chance of side effects. To prevent any choking hazard, this drug should never be taken in its dry form and should always be thoroughly mixed in 2 ounces of any beverage. If the drug does not dissolve, add 2 to 4 ounces of beverage before drinking.

This drug can also be taken with milk in hot or regular breakfast cereals or in thin soups such as tomato or chicken noodle soup. Or it can be added to some pulpy fruits such as crushed pineapple, pears, peaches, or fruit cocktail.

A diet low in fats, sugars, and/or cholesterol is suggested for patients before taking this drug for high cholesterol. Proper diet and exercise are essential to control hypercholesterolemia.

This drug is only prescribed the aforementioned are inadequate in controlling your condition. This drug works optimally only under the special lifestyle and diet modification given by your healthcare provider.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

Adults and children with high cholesterol or pruritus related to biliary obstruction are prescribed with an oral suspension of 4 grams at first taken one or two times a day before meals. The dosage may be increased to 8 to 24 grams a day divided into two to six doses for adults or two or more for children.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs

Before using Prevalite, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits and laboratory tests should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects.

Consult your healthcare professional before taking any other drugs since cholestyramine may change the effect of other drugs. Also, consult with your healthcare professional before you stop taking this drug.

A special diet will be suggested to you by your healthcare provider to prevent any lapses in the control of your cholesterol level.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Prevalite to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Prevalite was linked to tumor formation in animal studies.

This effect is still under investigation in human studies. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. Constipation is a common symptom while symptoms of black, tarry stools, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, and sudden weight loss are rare.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.