Cholestyramine Coupons & Prices

Looking for a cholestyramine coupon? Cholestyramine is a low-cost generic bile acid sequestrant used to lower high LDL ("bad") cholesterol and to relieve itching from partial biliary obstruction. Because it is generic, cash prices are usually modest, but they can vary widely from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing before you fill matters. Rx.com checks prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies so you can find today's lowest cash price. Enter your ZIP above to see the current price near you and a free coupon you can show at the counter.

What is cholestyramine and how does it work?

Cholestyramine (also sold as the resin form, and formerly under the brand names Prevalite and Questran) is a bile acid sequestrant, a type of bile acid-binding resin. It works inside your intestine rather than in your bloodstream: the powder binds to bile acids and carries them out of the body in the stool. To replace them, your liver pulls cholesterol out of your blood to make more bile acids, which lowers your LDL cholesterol over time.

Cholestyramine is FDA-approved as an add-on to diet to lower elevated LDL cholesterol in primary high cholesterol, and to relieve itching (pruritus) caused by partial blockage of the bile ducts. It is a powder that must be mixed with water or another fluid before you take it. This is not medical advice; talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether cholestyramine is right for you.

Cholestyramine cost and how to save without insurance

Cholestyramine is available as an FDA-approved generic, so it is generally one of the more affordable cholesterol medicines even if you pay cash. The brand versions (Questran, Questran Light) have largely been discontinued in the U.S., and generic cholestyramine is what most pharmacies stock. There is no manufacturer savings card for this generic.

Even for an inexpensive generic, the cash price can differ a lot between pharmacies in the same town, which is exactly why comparing pays off. Rx.com compares cash prices at more than 60,000 pharmacies and gives you a free discount coupon that often beats the standard shelf price. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you. The Rx.com coupon is a cash-price discount you can use whether or not you have insurance.

Alternatives and related cholesterol medicines

Cholestyramine belongs to the same drug class as two other bile acid sequestrants, colestipol and colesevelam (brand Welchol). These work in a similar way but differ in dosing form and tolerability. Another non-statin option that works in the gut is ezetimibe, which blocks cholesterol absorption.

For many people, statins such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin are first-line for lowering LDL cholesterol, and are sometimes combined with a bile acid sequestrant. Which medicine fits you depends on your cholesterol level, other conditions, and how well you tolerate each option, so this is a conversation for your prescriber. You can compare cash prices for any of these on Rx.com by entering your ZIP.

Safety and important precautions

Cholestyramine has no boxed warning. Its most common side effect is constipation, which can be severe, along with bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea. With long-term or high-dose use it can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and folic acid, which may lead to deficiency and, rarely, a tendency to bleed. It should not be used by anyone with complete biliary obstruction. Formulations that contain aspartame (such as "light" versions) should be used with caution by people with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Always mix the powder with fluid and never swallow it dry, to avoid irritating or blocking the esophagus. Cholestyramine can bind many oral medications and reduce how well they are absorbed, including thyroid hormone, warfarin, digoxin, thiazide water pills, and some antibiotics. A common rule is to take other medicines at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. This is general information, not medical advice; check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medicines and timing.