Novo Cholamine

The recommended dose of Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin is 4 g (1 packet) 1 to 6 times daily depending on circumstances.

The powder must be mixed with water (120 mL to 180 mL for the regular powder and 60 mL to 90 mL for the "light" powder) or other fluids (milk, fruit juice, or other non-carbonated beverage). It may also be mixed with watery soups or pulpy fruits with a high moisture, content such as applesauce or crushed pineapple.

Other medications should be taken at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin. Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) should never be taken in its dry form. The colour of Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin may vary somewhat from batch to batch but this does not affect the performance of the medication.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) is available as a powder for suspension equivalent to 4 g/dose.

Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has bile ducts that are completely blocked

There may be an interaction between Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• Amiodarone
• Calcitriol
• Chlorthalidone
• Dexamethasone
• Digoxin
• estrogen
• Fluvastatin
• Furosemide
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Hydrocortisone
• Imipramine
• Indapamide
• Metolazone

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g. Naproxen, Diclofenac)
• Phenobarbital
• Pioglitazone
• Pravastatin
• Prednisone
• Progesterone
• Propranolol
• Raloxifene
• Rosiglitazone
• Simvastatin
• Tetracycline
• Thyroid preparations (e.g., Levothyroxine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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 Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine).

Bleeding tendency: Long-term use of Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin may increase bleeding tendency due to vitamin K deficiency.

Constipation: Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin may produce or worsen constipation. Fecal impaction (a large mass of stool that may be lodged in the colon) and worsening of hemorrhoids may occur.

Pregnancy: Since Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin is not absorbed by the body, it is not expected to harm the baby during pregnancy when taken in recommended doses. However, Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), which should be taken into account when planning for vitamin intake during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding mothers should exercise caution when taking Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) resin. The possible lack of proper vitamin absorption may have an effect on breast-feeding infants.

Children: The effects of Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) on children are not known. Experts recommend, however, that treatment with Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine) 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, treatment with medication may even start before 10 years of age. If a child starts treatment with Novo Cholamine (Cholestyramine), a carefully planned diet should be followed in order to obtain best results.

Seniors: People over 60 years of age may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) side effects.