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A myIBSteam Member asked a question 💭

How long does it take to start working?

May 16
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myIBSteam

Colestid (colestipol) is a bile acid sequestrant sometimes used to help manage diarrhea in IBS, particularly when bile acid malabsorption may be a contributing factor.

In terms of how quickly it works, many people begin to notice some improvement within a few days to 1–2 weeks of starting it. However, the full effect can Show Full Answer

Colestid (colestipol) is a bile acid sequestrant sometimes used to help manage diarrhea in IBS, particularly when bile acid malabsorption may be a contributing factor.

In terms of how quickly it works, many people begin to notice some improvement within a few days to 1–2 weeks of starting it. However, the full effect can sometimes take 3–4 weeks to become apparent.

A few things worth keeping in mind:

- Dosing matters — it often starts at a low dose and is gradually increased, which can affect how quickly results are felt
- Consistency is key — taking it regularly as directed gives the best chance of it working effectively
- Diet interaction — it works in the gut, so timing it around meals can influence how well it performs
- It can interfere with absorption of other medications — so it's important to take other medicines at least 1–2 hours before or 4 hours after taking Colestid

If there's been no noticeable improvement after a few weeks, it's worth checking back in with a doctor, as the dose may need adjusting or an alternative approach explored.

May 16

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A myIBSteam Member asked a question 💭
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