Before taking Welchol (colesevelam), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Welchol (colesevelam) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blocked intestines (intestinal obstruction).
Before using Welchol (colesevelam), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swallowing problems, problems with constipation, recent major intestinal surgery, treated with thyroid medication, vitamin absorption problems, high triglyceride levels.
Caution is advised when using Welchol (colesevelam) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the constipation effect.
Welchol (colesevelam) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Welchol (colesevelam) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Welchol (colesevelam) by mouth with a meal, usually 1-2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a large glass (8 ounces, 240 milliliters) of liquid.
Dosage of Welchol (colesevelam) is based on your medical condition. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose over time based on your response to treatment. It may take 2 weeks to several months to see results of cholesterol lowering.
Take Welchol (colesevelam) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Constipation, gas, upset stomach, and heartburn may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Welchol (colesevelam) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Welchol (colesevelam) do not have serious side effects.
To help prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (8-12, 8 ounce glasses). Consult your pharmacist about choosing a fiber supplement (e.g., psyllium) and/or a stool softener.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle aches, severe constipation/inability to have a bowel movement, unusual bleeding/bruising.
A very serious allergic reaction to Welchol (colesevelam) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Welchol side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Welchol (colesevelam), skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Welchol (colesevelam), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: sustained-released verapamil.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.