Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Colestid Orange (Colestipol).
Bleeding tendency: In rare cases, long-term use of Colestid Orange (Colestipol) may cause vitamin K deficiency and therefore increase a tendency to bleed if injured.
Constipation: Colestid Orange (Colestipol) may cause or worsen constipation. Increase your fluid and fibre intake to prevent constipation; your doctor may also recommend a Stool Softener.
Pregnancy: Colestid Orange (Colestipol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Colestid Orange (Colestipol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, discuss this with your doctor before taking Cholestyramine resin. Colestid Orange (Colestipol) may interfere with your ability to absorb certain vitamins.
Children: There is limited experience with the use of Colestid Orange (Colestipol) by children. Experts recommend, however, that drug treatment be considered for children 10 years or older who have tried diet therapy but still have unacceptably high serum cholesterol levels. In certain situations where a young child has extremely high serum cholesterol levels, medication treatment may even be started before 10 years of age.
If the child is started on medication therapy, a carefully planned diet therapy should also be followed in order to obtain best results. However, the safety of the tablets for use by patients under 18 years old has not been established. Because Colestid Orange (Colestipol) may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), the growth and development of children taking the medication should be monitored closely.
Seniors: People over 60 years of age may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) and nutritional (deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K) side effects.