Welchol

Generic name: Colesevelam

Drug class: Bile acid sequestrants

Dosage forms: Tablet, Suspension

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 625 mg, 3.75 g

Mechanism of action: Welchol lowers “bad” cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.

Drug usage cases: Welchol is used to treat high cholesterol in adults and children at least 10 years old. Welchol is sometimes used together with “statin” cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor, and others. Welchol is also used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Drug contra indications: You should not take Welchol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

very high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood; diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment); a history of bowel obstruction; or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides. Welchol may increase your triglycerides, which can increase your risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure your triglycerides are not too high for you to safely use this medicine. Welchol is not for use in girls who have not yet started having menstrual periods. Welchol should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

trouble swallowing; blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); slow digestion; surgery on your stomach or intestines; or a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency. The powder form of colesevelam may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Welchol may cause serious side effects. Stop using Welchol and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe constipation; severe stomach pain; or pancreatitis–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.

Warnings: You should not take Welchol if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.