Questran (Cont.)

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Questran, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
 
  • Stomach problems
  • Gallbladder disease or gallstones
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Constipation
  • A biliary obstruction
  • Recent surgery
  • Bleeding problems
  • Phenylketonuria
  • An allergy to Questran or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
It is also important to let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant (see Questran and Pregnancy)
  • Breastfeeding 
  • A frequent user of alcoholic beverages.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Questran Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Are There Alternatives?

Lowering cholesterol typically begins with lifestyle modifications. This includes a diet low in cholesterol (see Low Cholesterol Diet) and saturated fats, limited alcohol use, weight loss, and exercise. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower cholesterol levels to a desirable level, certain medications, such as Questran, may be necessary.
 
In general, cholesterol treatment is aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels enough to reduce the risk of developing complications associated with high cholesterol (see Effects of High Cholesterol). If you are at a higher risk, you will have a lower LDL goal.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to see a list of risk factors that may affect your cholesterol level and a general guideline of ideal LDL cholesterol levels.)
 
For most people, Questran is quite effective in lowering cholesterol. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur and people may wish to consider a substitute. These substitutes could include other bile acid sequestrants, statins, or other cholesterol medicines.
 
(Click Questran Alternatives to learn more.)
 
(Questran Continued: Page 5)
Pages:

Previous 1   2   3   4   5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;