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Welchol - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Colesevelam

Welchol is a cholesterol-lowering medication that works to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol along with diet and exercise. It can be taken alone or with other cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins.

Welchol is sometimes prescribed along with one of the popular "statin" drugs that fight cholesterol in a different way. Among these drugs are Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor.

Welchol Dosage

• The usual dosage is 6 tablets a day, taken as a single dose or divided into 2 doses. If you're taking WelChol with one of the "statin" drugs, the maximum recommended daily dosage is 6 tablets. If you're taking WelChol alone, the maximum is 7.
• Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Uses of Welchol

• Welchol is used alone or with another drug to lower high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood when response to diet and non-drug therapy is inadequate.
• Colesevelam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• This medication is used alone or in combination with another medication to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood (primary hypercholesterolemia).

Side Effects of Welchol

WelChol is not absorbed by the body, so it is relatively free of side effects. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking WelChol. Side effects may include:

• Constipation, indigestion, muscle aches, sore throat, weakness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Welchol:

• If you have difficulty swallowing or suffer from severe digestive problems, use WelChol with caution; it hasn't been tested under these conditions. The drug has also not been studied in children.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. When you stop taking this medicine, your blood cholesterol levels may increase again. Your doctor may want you to follow a special diet to help prevent this from happening.

Drug Interaction

• ezetemibe
• ursodiol
• verapamil
• vitamin K products or phytonadione

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Overdose

Since WelChol is not absorbed by the body, the chances of serious toxicity are low. Still, if you suspect an overdose, call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a colesevelam overdose may include abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, and intestinal blockage.