Indications
Welchol (active ingredient: colesevelam) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Hyperlipidemia: Welchol is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) and mixed hyperlipidemia.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Welchol, in combination with diet and exercise, is indicated as an adjunct to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Welchol belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid sequestrants, which work by binding bile acids in the intestine, thereby reducing their reabsorption and increasing their excretion in the feces. This leads to decreased cholesterol levels in the blood and improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Uses and Dosage
Welchol is available in tablet form to be taken orally, typically 1 to 2 times daily or as instructed by your doctor. To prevent stomach discomfort, take Welchol tablets with a meal. The medication is usually prescribed once or twice daily; follow your doctor's instructions. Additionally, make sure to take other medications as instructed by your doctor, and leave at least 4 hours between taking your colesevelam dose and any other medication. If you are unsure when to take your medications, consult with your pharmacist.
The dosage for Welchol (colesevelam) can vary depending on the condition being treated. For high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia, the typical dosage is 3.75 g per day, which can be achieved by taking six 625-mg tablets once per day or three 625-mg tablets twice per day.
For type 2 diabetes, the dosage is six tablets once daily or three tablets twice daily. However, the recommended dose may vary depending on individual circumstances, so follow your doctor's advice.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Welchol (Colesevelam):
- Constipation
- Flatulence
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
Serious Side Effects of Welchol (Colesevelam):
- Easy bruising
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Severe abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Unusual bleeding
- Vomiting
Form and Strength
Welchol (Colesevelam) is available in the following forms and strength:
Welchol: Tablet
- 625 mg
Colesevelam: Tablet
- 625 mg
Caution
- Use caution in patients with a history of bowel obstruction.
- Welchol is to use it with caution in patients who are susceptible to fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, as it is a bile acid sequestrant that may affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Use caution in patients with a history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis.
- Welchol may decrease absorption of certain medications, so it should be taken at least 4 hours before or after other medications.
- Welchol may decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so patients may need to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins or supplements separately from Welchol.
- Use with caution in patients with a history of major gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgery or when co-administered with a treatment that may alter bowel motility. Discuss all potential cautions and risks with a healthcare provider before starting Welchol.
- Bile acid sequestrants like Welchol may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, so caution should be used in patients who are susceptible to fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
- If you are taking Welchol, you should keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) since the medication may interact with other drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this medication safe for children?
This drug is safe for children 10 years of age and above.
Can I take this medication for diarrhea?
At times, physicians prescribe this medication to address diarrhea among patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
When will be the best time of the day to take this medication?
It will be best to take this medication right after meals.
How long does it take Colesevelam (Welchol) to work?
Some people may start noticing some results in as little as 2 weeks. Continue to take this medication, and do not stop if you start noticing improvements unless told to do so by a healthcare provider.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/022362s007lbl.pdf
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-welchol
- https://www.goodrx.com/colesevelam/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-19893/welchol-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/welchol.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-welchol-dosage
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