Generic name 

• Colesevelam

Other brand name(s):

• Cholestagel Lodalis

Welchol (colesevelam) is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Welchol (colesevelam) lowers “bad” cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Welchol (colesevelam) is sometimes used together with another cholesterol-lowering medication such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor).

Welchol (colesevelam) is also used to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Do not take Welchol (colesevelam) if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Welchol (colesevelam) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the available dosage forms and strengths?

Tablet 

• 625mg

Suspension

•        1.875g single-dose packet

• 3.75g single-dose packet

How should you take Welchol (colesevelam)? 

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Use Welchol (colesevelam) tablets with a meal and a full glass of water or other liquid.

Combination therapy: The recommended dose for Welchol (colesevelam), when used with a statin or ezetimibe or both together, is 4 to 6 tablets a day by mouth. Your doctor may tell you to take the Welchol (colesevelam) dose either once a day or twice a day; in either case Welchol (colesevelam) should be taken with a meal. The dosing of the statin and the ezetimibe should follow the instructions for that particular medicine. The medicines may be taken at the same time or at separate times according to what your doctor has prescribed.

Monotherapy: The recommended dose for Welchol (colesevelam) is 3 tablets taken twice a day with meals or 6 tablets a day with a meal. Your doctor may increase your dose to 7 tablets per day

You may have to take several tablets at a time each time you take Welchol (colesevelam). Follow your doctor’s instructions. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole.

To use the Welchol (colesevelam) powder, empty 1 packet into 4 to 8 ounces of water, fruit juice, or a diet soft drink. Stir and drink this mixture right away. To get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Welchol (colesevelam) is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.

Do not change the dose or timing of any other cholesterol or diabetes medications without your doctor’s advice.

If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember (be sure to take the medicine with food and a full glass of water). Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store at room temperature away; from moisture, heat, and light.

Who should not take Welchol (colesevelam)?

You should not take if you have or are :

• allergic to Welchol or any of the other ingredients found in it;

• very high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood or high cholesterol due to this;

• a history of bowel obstruction; or

• a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.

Welchol (colesevelam) should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old, or to a girl who has not yet started having menstrual periods.

What to avoid while taking Welchol (colesevelam)?

Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, as this can render Welchol (colesevelam) ineffective.

If you can, try to avoid drinking alcohol altogether, or limit how much alcohol you drink, while taking Welchol.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Welchol (colesevelam)? 

To make sure Welchol (colesevelam) is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have trouble swallowing;

• have  a stomach, intestinal, or digestive disorder;

• have a history of major stomach or bowel surgery;

• have phenylketonuria (some forms of Welchol contain phenylalanine)

• suffer from constipation, as Welchol (colesevelam) may induce or worsen this condition. This is especially important for patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris; or

• if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.

Welchol (colesevelam) is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Taking Welchol (colesevelam) can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The powder form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Welchol (colesevelam) if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

What are the possible side effects of Welchol (colesevelam)? 

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue.

Stop using Welchol (colesevelam) and call your doctor at once if you have

• severe constipation;

• or stomach pain.

Common side effects may include:

• mild constipation;

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, indigestion;

• feeling weak or tired;

• headache;

• muscle pain; or

• runny nose, sore throat, flu symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs interact with Welchol (colesevelam)? 

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• bexarotene;

• cyclosporine;

• levothyroxine;

• olmesartan;

• birth control pills;

• anti-epileptic medicines;

• insulin; or

• oral diabetes medication, especially glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, metformin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, recreational and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention

Where can I get more information about Welchol (colesevelam)?

If you have any questions about buying discount Welchol (colesevelam)or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.