Welchol (colesevelam)

Welchol Description

The active ingredient in Welchol is colesevelam which belongs to a group of drugs known as bile acid binding resins. This acid is a natural substance made by the liver with cholesterol. The drug functions by removing bile acid from your body. This makes liver produce more bile thereby bringing down levels of cholesterol in blood. This therefore makes Welchol a bile acid sequestrant. Welchol does not prove its effectiveness in controlling Type 1 diabetes. The drug should not be used if you have a history of specific bowel problems or if you run a risk of bowel blockage. Individuals with extremely high levels of triglycerides and pancreatic inflammation should also not use Welchol.

Welchol is the only drug approved to reduce LDL – C and A1C (blood sugar). Welchol is available in two forms: tablets and oral suspension. The dosage strength of tablets is 625 mg. They are film coated, oval and off white. Oral suspension is a white to pale yellow powder comprising of yellow granules and are packaged in single dose packets that are either 3.75 grams or 1.875 grams. The medication should be stored at 25 degree Celsius and should be protected from moisture.

Conditions treated by Welchol

Welchol is used with a proper diet as well as exercise for bringing down cholesterol levels in individuals who have high cholesterol levels in their blood. Bringing down cholesterol lowers the risk of heart diseases and also prevents heart attacks and strokes. The drug is also used to bring down high blood sugar in individuals who have Type 2 diabetes. Keeping a tab on high blood sugar prevents sexual function problems, loss of limbs, nerve problems, blindness and kidney damage. When diabetes is controlled, the risk of stroke or heart disease is also lessened. Welchol is also used for treating diarrhea.

Welchol Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

For treating primary hyperlipidermia, the dose of Welchol (tablets) recommended in adults is 6 tablets once every day or 3 tablets two times every day. This is irrespective of the fact that they are taken as a monotherapy or combined with statin. The drug is to be taken with liquid and a meal. In the case of Welchol oral suspension in children (between 10 and 17 years of age) and adults, the recommended dose is a 3.75 gm packet to be taken once every day or a 1.875 gm packet to be taken twice every day. The entire contents of the packet can be emptied in 4 to 8 ounces of water.

This form of this drug should be had with meals. Taking Welchol oral suspension in its dry form will create esophageal distress. The size of the tablet is quite big and therefore, people who find it difficult to swallow tablets can opt for oral suspension. After you begin having Welchol, your lipid levels need to be analyzed in the next 4 to 6 weeks. For treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus, similar dosage instructions are to be followed.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the missed dose with liquid as soon as you remember that you have missed it but if it is time for your subsequent dose; do not take the missed one. Do not take extra doses to catch up. It may prove harmful.

c.) Overdosing

Contact the Poison Helpline or seek medical attention if you think you have been overdosed. Symptoms of overdosing include severe constipation.

Welchol Warnings

Welchol must be used only by those patients to whom the drug is prescribed for. It must not be shared with others. Benefits accrued from this drug may take some time to show up and therefore you may have to wait and watch the effects. However, even after a reasonable amount of time, if improvements do not show up, you should consult your doctor. Welchol can cause severe constipation and you should seek advice from your health care professional. The drug has the ability to decrease absorption of other specific medications by your body. Welchol can bring down your levels of blood sugars and diabetes patients should therefore exercise caution.

Low blood sugar can create a lot of trouble that can even be life threatening. While using Welchol in children who are below 10 years of age and specifically those girls who have not had their first menstrual period, extreme caution must be exercised. The efficacy and safety of the drug on children has not been established. The effects of Welchol on unborn and newborn babies are not known. Hence, it is important for you to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Welchol Side Effects

Some of the common side effects from taking any drug can also characterize with Welchol but when one or more of these symptoms:

• weakness
• tiredness
• stomach discomfort or pain
• sore throat
• indigestion
• headache
• constipation

If these become bothersome or difficult, consult your doctor.

The serious side effects from taking Welchol can include:

• throat irritation or pain
• fast heartbeat
• stomach swelling or tenderness
• signs of pancreas inflammation
• persistent or severe headache
• diarrhea
• severe constipation
• swallowing difficulties
• choking, and severe allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, lips, face and mouth
• tightness in chest, hives, rashes and difficulty in breathing.

Drug Interactions with Welchol

Welchol interacts with certain medications and therefore, you should inform your doctor before taking the medication. There are at least 113 medications that Welchol interacts with. Some of the important and quite commonly used drugs in this category include:

• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Aspirin(acetylsalicylic acid)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Omega 3 (docosahexanoic Acid/epa/fish Oil )
• Hydrodiuril (Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Synthroid (levothyroxine)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Glucophage (metformin)

The other drugs that can possibly interact with Welchol include:

• Lopressor (metoprolol)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Zocor (simvastatin)
• Synthroid(levothyroxine)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Some of the other drugs that may interact with Welchol include sulfonylureas or insulin, hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills. However, discontinuing any drug that you may be currently taking may also put you at risk. Starting, stopping or changing dosages of drugs taken along with Welchol necessitates the intervention of a health care professional.

If you have any questions about buying discount Welchol online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.