Drug Interaction Report

Colesevelam and Fenofibrate: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Colesevelam and Fenofibrate interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Fenofibrate

Antara Antara® Fenoglide Fenoglide® Fibricor Lipidil® Lipofen Lipofen®
+

Colesevelam

Welchol WelChol®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
LinkedIn
Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 49 documented Colesevelam interactions, 29 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Reduced fenofibric acid effectiveness and reduced absorption of fenofibrate

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of colesevelam and fenofibric acid may result in reduced fenofibric acid absorption due to the binding of fenofibric acid by the bile acid resin, colesevelam. Therefore, administer fenofibric acid at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after colesevelam12.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Reduced fenofibric acid absorption; binding of fenofibrate by bile-acid binding resins

Common questions

Can I take Colesevelam and Fenofibrate together?

Reduced fenofibric acid effectiveness and reduced absorption of fenofibrate Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Colesevelam and Fenofibrate interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Colesevelam or Fenofibrate need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (2)

  1. Product Information: TRILIPIX oral delayed-release capsules, fenofibric acid oral delayed-release capsules. AbbVie Inc (per FDA), North Chicago, IL, 2021. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: TRIGLIDE(R) oral tablets, fenofibrate oral tablets. Casper Pharma LLC (per FDA), East Brunswick, NJ, 2024. DailyMed
Was this write-up helpful?
Fenofibrate

Keep reading about Fenofibrate

All Fenofibrate interactions (16) Fenofibrate drug information
Also serious with: Colchicine Lovastatin Cyclosporine Injection Cyclosporine Ophthalmic
Colesevelam

Keep reading about Colesevelam

All Colesevelam interactions (49) Colesevelam drug information
Also serious with: Bezafibrate Deferasirox Desogestrel Dienogest
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Fenofibrate + Activated Charcoal Beer Siberian Cocklebur Wine Ashwagandha Black Cohosh Boldo Buchu + 51 more
Colesevelam + Activated Charcoal Coffee Charcoal European Mandrake Glucomannan Guar Gum Gum Arabic Slippery Elm Tragacanth + 9 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

Check another combination

Our instant two-drug interaction checker is almost here.

Coming soon

The instant two-drug checker is on its way.

In the meantime, browse the directory below to look up any drug and see its documented interactions.

Still have questions about this combination?

Every question gets a real answer from a licensed pharmacist — free, and usually within a day.

Ask the pharmacist
This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.