Colesevelam causing heartburn

[Lastboyscout6]

Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with Bile Acid Malabsorption and prescribed colesevelam. I have had digestive issues for years but recently have been having frequent heartburn in my chest and more often on my throat, particularly from the evening onwards. Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this and if could you share any advice

Thanks

[DG1960]

For 20+ years I have had IBS and recently been diagnosed with bile acid malabsorption and prescribed colestyramine. It stopped my diarrhoea but a week later a cough appeared and after 5 weeks I was diagnosed with silent reflux and prescribed Lansoprazole. 2 days into this medication and I now wake up with pains in my tummy and diarrhoea every morning at about 6.30am. The doctor is ringing me tomorrow so hopefully it can be sorted. I wish I had just taken Gaviscon rather than a ppi. A friend (a previous advanced practice nurse, who is also suffering with reflux) told me last night that her ENT specialist has her on Gaviscon. A bit of a long winded answer, sorry, but possibly try Gaviscon and see if it helps rather than ppi, although not everyone reacts with diarrhoea. I hope this helps.

[Pollyboo]

Hi, I have been on Colestyramine for the past 10yrs, have also tried colesevelam, but I must say was able to tolerate the Colestyramine better as I only have to take 1 sachet every evening. I had to take 6 Colesevelam but got a better result with just 1 sachet of Colestyramine. My tummy is not perfect but I take Imodium as needed.

I must say it took a long time for my tummy to adjust to the medication, and for me the best time is before my evening meal , take 5/5.30 pm and this gives about an hour or so to digest.

I also suffer from heartburn and I find Gaviscon the best option

I hope you find some relief from your symptoms, for me it is a long battle 22yrs, but we carry on as best we can.

Wishing you well.

Pollyboo

[Jayjayvee]

Hi. I've had heartburn for a few years owing to a hiatus hernia. I've been taking Omeprazole for a few years, but am worried about using it for so long. So I stopped four days ago and am using a very small dose of Gaviscon at bedtime. It may be worse before it settles, but stomach acid is supposed to decrease when you're older. I'm 74. I have IBS C which I manage quite well with lots of fluids and a good diet with lots of fruit and veg.I think medicines often upset the balance of enzymes in the stomach, so want to take as few as possible.

I strongly advise you to speak to your doctor, though, and have an endoscopy to rule out anything nasty. Apparently the UK has a poor record of carrying out proper checks to rule out cancer before prescribing medicines for heartburn. Good luck