Welchol

Welchol Ingredients: Colesevelam
Representative Names: Welchol
Generic Available ? A generic alternative may be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Who is Welchol for ?

Colesevelam is used with lifestyle changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake and regular exercise) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Welchol ?

Before taking colesevelam,

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to colesevelam or any other drugs.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin); and vitamins.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had stomach, intestinal, or gallbladder disease or bowel obstruction.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking colesevelam, call your doctor.

Side Effects

Although side effects from colesevelam are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

constipation
infection
upset stomach
indigestion
headache
stomach pain
diarrhea

If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

unusual bleeding (such as bleeding from the gums or rectum)

severe abdominal pain

severe constipation