Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

Colesevelam is considered safe for pregnant women primarily because it is a bile acid sequestrant, which works differently from statin medications that inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Statins are generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to concerns about their potential effects on fetal development and birth outcomes.

Colesevelam binds to bile acids in the intestine, leading to an increased excretion of bile acids and subsequently lowering cholesterol levels as the body compensates by utilizing more cholesterol to produce new bile acids. Since it does not have systemic absorption in significant quantities, it poses a lower risk to the developing fetus compared to other cholesterol-lowering medications.

It is important to note that while managing cholesterol levels during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and the unborn child, the decision to use any medication should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the risks and benefits in the context of the individual patient's condition.