QuestionHi, My question is this. I was put on Colestipal for my stomach problems but I'm wanting to try and conceive I was wondering if you knew of any known side effects while taking this medicine while being pregnant?
AnswerDear Debbie,
Form what I can find, this medication is actually used for lowering cholesterol LDL levels and raising HDL levels. It is classified as a FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B medication.
In a reproductive study with rats and rabbits, doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day produced no adverse effects on the fetuses. No published or unpublished cases involving the use of colestipol during human pregnancy have been located.
The actions of colestipol are similar to those of cholestyramine. Because it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation, it should have no direct effect on the fetus. However, as with cholestyramine, prolonged use of colestipol may result in reduced intestinal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K. This is something that would need to be monitored closely by your doctor if you were to continue taking this medication while pregnant. I would suggest that you consult with your doctor and let him/her know that you are wanting to conceive and discuss whether any changes in medication would be preferred before that happens.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
