Colestipol is a prescription medication which is used to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). It lowers cholesterol by reducing fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, in the blood.

Colestipol is available under the brand name Colestid and comes in the form of a tablet, as well as a powder for suspension (small granules which must be mixed with a liquid before consumption).

Colestipol is used to reduce fatty substances such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol.

High cholesterol is extremely common and impacts more than 3 million people per year. Although it can be caused by genetic factors, secondary causes of high cholesterol can include obesity, smoking, diets with high carbohydrate consumption, some medications (especially progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids, protease inhibitors (atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir), some types of liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.

For that reason, it is often recommended that cholesterol-lowering medications such as colestipol be used along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and other lifestyle changes to help lower high cholesterol levels in the blood.

Common side effects of colestipol include constipation, burping, gas, and indigestion (heartburn).

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as unusual bleeding (like bleeding from the gums or rectum), black, tarry stools, or severe stomach pain or vomiting while taking colestipol.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with colestipol. Colestipol can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Colestipol comes in the form of tablets and a powder for suspension. The tablets are usually taken once or twice daily, while the powder granules are mixed with a fluid and typically consumed one to six times daily depending on your doctor’s orders. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of colestipol without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Colestipol should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Colestipol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not colestipol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for colestipol to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.