Does Colesevelam Hydrochloride Interact with Metformin Extended Release?
CDI records a moderate classification for Colesevelam Hydrochloride and Metformin Extended Release. The stored summary is: WELCHOL may increase exposure of metformin extended release. Monitor patients' glycemic control. The mechanism involves increased metformin exposure. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Increased metformin exposure
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Colesevelam Hydrochloride and your doctor is considering prescribing Metformin Extended Release (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider