Welchol

The active ingredient in Welchol is colesevelam hydrochloride, which is a bile acid sequestrant. To stop bile acid from entering your body, it binds to it in your intestines. Your liver will then turn cholesterol into bile acid to replace what is not absorbed. Your body's cholesterol levels therefore decrease.

In people with Type 2 diabetes, Welchol can also help lower blood sugar levels. The actual mechanism of action is unknown. However, it is believed to function by increasing the amounts of a protein known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which releases insulin.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Welchol. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Welchol:

• Welchol should be taken with a full glass of water or another liquid and a meal.
• Eight ounces of water, fruit juice, or a diet soft drink must be combined with Welchol powder. Stir and immediately drink this combination. Pour a little more water into the glass, give it a gentle spin, and then immediately drink it.
• Without consulting your physician, never alter the dosage or schedule of any other diabetes or cholesterol medications.
• Welchol is but one component of a comprehensive therapy plan that may include weight management, exercise, and a healthy diet. To avoid constipation while taking this medication, you might need to adhere to a particular diet.

The most common side effects of Welchol seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Indigestion (dyspepsia).
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, and runny nose.
• Muscle cramps.
• Accidental injury.
• Increased level of an enzyme (protein) called creatine phosphokinase.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Welchol. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Acute pancreatitis, or pancreatic swelling, is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and excruciating stomach pain that radiates to the back.
• Severe constipation, excruciating stomach pain, and blood in the stool are signs of intestinal or stomach issues.
• Allergic reactions to the medication such as skin rash, hives, or swelling of the throat or face.
• Bowel blockage: vomiting, loss of appetite, discomfort in the stomach, difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Welchol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Welchol, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Extremely elevated blood triglyceride levels, which are a form of fat.
• Type 1 diabetes or a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Gastroparesis.
• A history of intestinal blockage or history of bowel obstruction.
• A history of pancreatitis.
• Heart disease.
• High triglyceride levels..
• Not begun your menstrual cycle.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Abdominal or gastrointestinal surgery.
• Deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, or K.
• Phenylalanine may be included in the powdered form of Colesevelam. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), let your doctor know.

• Levels of blood triglycerides that exceed 500 mg/dL.
• History of elevated triglycerides causing pancreatitis.
• History of a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Within two weeks of beginning medication, Welchol lowers cholesterol levels. Helping to control blood sugar levels could take a little longer. Within four to six weeks, you can observe a drop in blood sugar. To experience the full effects of this medicine, however, it may take up to 12 to 18 weeks.

When Welchol is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Cyclosporine
• Olmesartan.
• Phenytoin.
• Norethindrone.
• Thyroid drugs, such as levothyroxine.
• Birth control tablets.
• Multivitamins.
• Coumadin, Jantoven, Warfarin.
• Glyburide, tolazamide, tolbutamide, glimepiride, glipizide, or chlorpropamide are examples of oral diabetes medications.
• Metformin extended-release (ER) and sulfonylureas are medicines used for diabetes.

The typical dose of Welchol tablets is 3.75g taken by mouth daily. This dose is administered as three 625 mg tablets twice daily or six 625 mg pills once daily.

Welchol for oral suspension powder: 3.75g taken orally daily is the usual dosage. This dosage is administered as two 1.875-gram packets twice daily or as one 3.75-gram packet once daily. This should never be taken in its dry form.

It is recommended to take colesevelam (Welchol) with food.

Store your Welchol at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Welchol.

There are several generic versions available of Welchol.

Do not stop taking Welchol or change your dose unless instructed otherwise by your care team.

It’s not known if Welchol is safe to take during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It may be safe to breastfeed while taking Welchol. However, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.