WelChol

Generic name: Colesevelam hydrochloride

What is WelChol?

WelChol may be taken alone or with other medicines to lower the cholesterol in your blood. WelChol should be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with high cholesterol levels, or to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that may build up in the blood vessels and can lead to conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

What is the most important information I should know about WelChol?

WelChol should be used with caution if you have any type of stomach or intestinal problems and if you have had major stomach or intestinal surgery. Promptly discontinue WelChol and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs while taking this medication.

Because of the tablet size, WelChol can cause esophageal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients who have trouble swallowing.

Do not use WelChol as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise plan; the drug should be used as an adjunct to lower your cholesterol. You should still exercise and eat a diet low in cholesterol while taking WelChol to ensure its efficacy.

WelChol may cause low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or increase your appetite. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals. Adhering to a diet, exercise program, and regularly testing your blood sugars may reduce the risk of these side effects.

If you also take glyburide (oral diabetic medication), birth control pills, phenytoin, or thyroid hormone replacements (eg, levothyroxine), take them at least 4 hours before you take WelChol.

Continue to take WelChol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. It may take several weeks for WelChol to begin working.

Discontinue WelChol and seek prompt medical attention if the hallmark symptoms of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) take place. These symptoms may include severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting.

Who should not take WelChol?

You should not take WelChol if you have a blockage in your intestines known as bowel obstruction or if you are allergic or sensitive to WelChol or any of its ingredients. WelChol should not be used in patients who have very high triglyceride levels (more than 500 mg/dL) or a history of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) caused by high triglyceride levels. WelChol should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of WelChol?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with WelChol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, vitamin K deficiency, thyroid problems, liver or kidney disorders, alcoholism, trouble swallowing, or stomach or intestinal problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

To Treat High Cholesterol Levels in the Blood Alone (Monotherapy) or in Combination With Another Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine

Adults: The usual dose is 1,875 milligrams (mg) taken as 3 tablets twice a day with a meal, or 3,750 mg taken as 6 tablets once a day with a meal and liquid.

After initiation of WelChol, lipid levels should be analyzed within 4 to 6 weeks.

To Control Blood Sugar in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Adults: The usual dose is 1,875 milligrams (mg) taken as 3 tablets twice a day with a meal, or 3,750 mg taken as 6 tablets once a day with a meal and liquid.

How should I take WelChol?

WelChol should be taken with a plenty of fluids and a meal. WelChol can be taken at the same time as another cholesterol-lowering medicine known as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

If you also take glyburide (oral diabetic medication), birth control pills, phenytoin, or thyroid hormone replacements (eg, levothyroxine), take them at least 4 hours before you take WelChol.

Continue to take WelChol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

What should I avoid while taking WelChol?

You should avoid eating foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol and fat to ensure you get the maximum cholesterol-lowering effect of WelChol.

The following medications should be administered at least 4 hours before you take WelChol: glyburide, birth control pills, phenytoin, or thyroid hormone replacements (eg, levothyroxine).

Do not change the dose or stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Continue to take WelChol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with WelChol?

If WelChol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining WelChol with verapamil (Calan SR).

What are the possible side effects of WelChol?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, accidental injury, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, flu syndrome, gas, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose, sinus pain, upset stomach, indigestion, muscle aches, weakness

WelChol may cause low blood sugar. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or increase your appetite. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms take place.

Discontinue WelChol and seek prompt medical attention if the hallmark symptoms of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) take place. These symptoms may include severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting.

Promptly discontinue WelChol and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing pain in your esophagus or if you have any problems swallowing the tablets.

Can I receive WelChol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of WelChol during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

What should I do if I miss a dose of WelChol?

If you miss a dose of WelChol, take it with a liquid at your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store WelChol?

Store WelChol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep WelChol out of the reach of children.