colesevelam vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of colesevelam and ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Colesevelam Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs with colesevelam significantly decreases systemic exposure of ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Welchol
Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Sprintec
Colesevelam is a medicine that helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL-C) and control blood sugar in adults. It can also lower LDL-C in children ages 10-17 with certain cholesterol problems.
Iclevia is a birth control pill. It contains two hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, to prevent pregnancy.
This medicine can help lower high LDL cholesterol in adults and children (10-17 years old) who have primary hyperlipidemia or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. These conditions mean you have high levels of bad cholesterol in your blood. Colesevelam can also help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Iclevia is used by women who can get pregnant to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones, a progestin and an estrogen. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation and change the lining of the uterus.
Colesevelam is a bile acid sequestrant. It works by binding to bile acids in your gut. This helps your body get rid of cholesterol and can also lower blood sugar levels.
Iclevia contains two hormones: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. These hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). They also change the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
- • Constipation
- • Upset stomach
- • Nausea
- • Accidental injury
- • Weakness
- • Headache
- • Heavier menstrual bleeding
- • Nausea
- • Painful periods
- • Acne
- Diarrhoea 121
- Dyspnoea 72
- Cough 64
- Muscle Spasms 61
- Fatigue 59
No adverse event reports.
Colesevelam can raise your triglyceride levels, which could cause pancreatitis. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain. This medicine may also cause bowel obstruction, especially if you have stomach problems or have had major surgery on your stomach or intestines. Colesevelam can also lower the amount of fat-soluble vitamins your body absorbs.
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious heart problems from birth control pills. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke more cigarettes. If you are over 35 and smoke, you should not take Iclevia.
This medicine is not absorbed into your body, so it is not expected to harm your baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine is also not expected to pass into breast milk.
Do not use Iclevia if you are pregnant. Iclevia can reduce milk production while breastfeeding, so another form of birth control is recommended. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
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How to Read This colesevelam vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate Comparison
colesevelam is classified in the Bile Acid Sequestrant (Diabetes) drug class, while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate sits within the Combined Oral Contraceptive class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, colesevelam has 377 submissions while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to colesevelam can stick to the birth control medicine in your stomach and prevent your body from absorbing it. this makes the birth control less effective.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for colesevelam or ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.