What is Welchol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Welchol

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about diet to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• Take this medicine with a meal and liquid.

• Oral liquid: Mix the powder with one cup (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or a diet soft drink. Stir well and drink right away.

• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the tablet, use the oral liquid form of this medicine.

• Oral liquid: Mix the powder with one cup (8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or a diet soft drink. Stir well and drink right away.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you cannot swallow the tablet, use the oral liquid form of this medicine.

• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about diet to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Take this medicine with a meal and liquid.

What to do if you miss a dose of Welchol

Welchol contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to colesevelam, or if you have a history of bowel blockage, severe hypertriglyceridemia (high fat levels in the blood), or pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) caused by hypertriglyceridemia.

Welchol warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have trouble swallowing, digestion problems (including ongoing problems with constipation), phenylketonuria (PKU), or a history of vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency. Tell your doctor if you had stomach or bowel surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Stomach or bowel blockageHypertriglyceridemia (high fat levels in the blood), which may cause serious heart problems

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor may check your triglycerides or fatty acids in the blood before using this medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Trouble swallowing

• Weakness, confusion, drowsiness, increased hunger, fast heartbeat, or shakiness

Welchol interactions

• Some medicines can affect how colesevelam works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, levothyroxine, olmesartan, phenytoinBirth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindroneVitamin supplementsTake these medicines at least 4 hours before you use colesevelam.

• Tell your doctor if you are also using aspirin, atenolol, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, enalapril, fenofibrate, lovastatin, metformin, metoprolol, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, quinidine, repaglinide, sitagliptin, valproic acid, verapamil, or warfarin.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.