WELCHOL
Used for Type 2 Diabetes and High Cholesterol
Are you tired of high medication costs? Our service offers unbeatable savings on your WELCHOL prescription medication. We provide a range of solutions to help you save up to 100% on your medication costs*. Whether you are insured, uninsured, underinsured, or simply looking to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, we've got you covered.
Manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
How can I lower the cost of my WELCHOL?
You can lower cost of your WELCHOL using one of the 4 following drug savings programs
Start Saving Today!
Lower the cost of your WELCHOL prescription
Join the many satisfied customers who have already benefited from our prescription discount programs.
WELCHOL Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings & Dosing
What is WELCHOL?
WELCHOL is the brand name for colesevelam and is available as an oral tablet and suspension.
What dosages is WELCHOL available in?
WELCHOL is available as a 625 mg oral tablet and a 1.875 g and 3.75 g oral suspension.
What is WELCHOL used for?
WELCHOL is a bile acid sequestrant that is used as an add-on to diet and exercise for the treatment of:
- High cholesterol in adults
- High cholesterol in certain children 10 to 17 years with genetic cholesterol problems
- Type 2 diabetes in adults
How does WELCHOL work?
WELCHOL is a bile acid sequestrant. It works by attaching to bile acid in your intestines to prevent it from being absorbed into your body. This causes your liver to turn the cholesterol in your body into bile acid to replace what couldn’t get absorbed. As a result, the amount of cholesterol in your body drops.
WELCHOL can also help lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It’s not exactly known how it works. But it’s thought to work by raising the levels of a protein called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that releases insulin.
How do I take WELCHOL?
WELCHOL is typically dosed as follows:
- Tablets: The typical dose is 3.75 grams by mouth per day.
- This dose is given as either six 625 mg tablets once a day or three 625 mg tablets twice a day
- Powder for oral suspension: The typical dose is 3.75 grams by mouth per day. This dose is given as either one 3.75-gram packet once a day or two 1.875-gram packets twice per day
- WELCHOL should be taken with food
Is it safe for me to take WELCHOL?
WELCHOL is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- Blood triglyceride levels that are greater than 500 mg/dL
- History of pancreatitis due to high triglycerides
- History of stomach or intestinal blockage
WELCHOL Common Side Effects
Common side effects of WELCHOL:
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Weakness
WELCHOL Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with WELCHOL. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis): nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain that spreads to your back
- Stomach or intestine problems: severe constipation, severe stomach pain, blood in your stool
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on WELCHOL
The following medications may interact with WELCHOL:
- In drug interaction studies, WELCHOL reduced levels of cyclosporine glyburide, levothyroxine, and oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone
- There have been post marketing reports of decreases in phenytoin levels in patients receiving phenytoin concomitantly with WELCHOL and decreases in INR in patients receiving warfarin concomitantly with WELCHO
Who makes WELCHOL?
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Is WELCHOL safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the teratogenic potential of WELCHOL in pregnant women. WELCHOL should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
What is the generic name for WELCHOL?
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effectsDrug Savings Tips
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my WELCHOL prescription?
How do the NowPatient WELCHOL savings programs work?
Are the NowPatient WELCHOL savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of WELCHOL?
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the WELCHOL savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the WELCHOL prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the WELCHOL prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the WELCHOL prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
To improve the lives of everyone by making high-quality care accessible and convenient
We are here to improve lives. Our service gives you access to smart features and resources that can help empower you to take control of your health and improve your health outcomes. All this, in one place, for FREE. We strive to bring a fresh perspective to managing health. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.