WELCHOL

Colesevelam, known by the brand name Welchol, is utilized to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol in both adults and children as young as 10 years old. Additionally, it can be prescribed to lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. For optimal results, it is recommended to take this medication in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The potential side effects of Welchol can vary depending on whether it is prescribed for high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, or both. Notably, clinical studies have not linked Welchol to weight gain.

Possible side effects associated with this medication include constipation, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion, feelings of weakness or fatigue, and headaches.

Welchol typically begins to lower cholesterol levels within two weeks of initiating treatment.

In the study conducted by Wedlake et al. (2009), adverse effects reported with colesevelam included bloating, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, perianal soreness, weight gain, leg swelling, and facial swelling. Each of these adverse effects occurred in 7% or fewer of the study participants.

Instructions for using Welchol 625 Mg Tablet: This medication should be taken orally with a meal, as directed by your physician, usually 1 to 2 times daily. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, consult your doctor about switching to the powdered form of the medication.

Colesevelam is prescribed in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen to reduce elevated cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, it is used to lower high blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

What is this medication? COLESEVELAM (koh le SEV e lam) is used to treat high cholesterol. It operates by eliminating bile acid from your body, thereby decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol (such as LDL) in your blood. It may also be used to manage Type 2 diabetes.

While many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects, you should promptly inform your physician of any severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Generally, this medication does not lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Concurrent use of Welchol may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including those with a narrow therapeutic index like cyclosporine, phenytoin, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, warfarin, oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, olmesartan medoxomil, and sulfonylureas such as glimepiride.

The average cost of Welchol is typically around $159.13 for a 30-tablet supply of 625MG Tablets. However, utilizing Welchol coupons from NowPatient at participating pharmacies such as CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, Walgreens, and others can significantly reduce this cost to approximately $56.53 for a 180-tablet supply of generic Welchol.

Welchol, when combined with a proper diet and exercise routine, is the sole FDA-approved medication containing a single active ingredient proven to lower both high blood sugar (A1C) and LDL-C, commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, in adults with Type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.

Yes, the brand-name version of colesevelam may have a higher cost compared to the generic drug. Typically, brand-name drugs are the first to receive approval, and the process of gaining approval can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive, leading to higher costs.

Welchol has been investigated for treating diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome and bile salt diarrhea, which arises from bile acid malabsorption. Both forms of diarrhea result from an excess of bile acid reaching the large intestine. However, it’s important to note that this use is considered off-label, and there is no approved dosage.

Bile acid diarrhea (BAD), also referred to as bile acid malabsorption or bile salt malabsorption (although not always the correct terminology), can manifest with symptoms such as increased bowel frequency, urgency, nocturnal bowel movements, excessive flatulence, abdominal pain, and fecal incontinence.

Instructions for using Welchol 625 Mg Tablet: Take this medication orally with a meal, as directed by your physician, usually 1 to 2 times daily. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of switching to the powdered form of the medication.

It may take several weeks before you experience the full benefits of this medication. Additionally, colesevelam may affect the absorption of other products you may be taking.

Bacterial and viral infections can lead to explosive diarrhea. Contaminated food and fluids are common sources of bacterial infections, while viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus can cause viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as ‘stomach flu.’ These infections can affect individuals of all ages.

The presence of mucus in stool is typically normal, but when you notice a significant amount of white or yellowish mucus, it may indicate an underlying gastrointestinal issue, such as a stomach bug, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or other conditions. Consult a doctor to explore potential underlying causes.

Anti-diarrhea medications like codeine phosphate or loperamide (Imodium) can be effective in managing symptoms of bile salt malabsorption. These drugs tend to work best when taken 30-60 minutes before main meals, especially for individuals with mild bile salt malabsorption. Consistent daily dosing can provide the most benefit.

Colesevelam belongs to a category of medications known as bile acid binding resins. It operates within the digestive system, absorbing cholesterol-containing bile acids, which are then eliminated from the body through feces. It can also assist in addressing diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

If you experience nausea or indigestion while taking Welchol, it may reduce your appetite, potentially leading to weight loss in some individuals. Additionally, Welchol is typically prescribed alongside dietary and exercise modifications, which can contribute to weight loss in certain cases.

In clinical studies, Welchol has not been linked to weight gain. Furthermore, in Type 2 diabetes clinical trials, the incidence of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) was similar between the Welchol and placebo groups and was not associated with weight gain. It’s important to note that Welchol has not been studied with all anti-diabetes medications.

To use Welchol 625 Mg Tablet, take it orally with a meal as directed by your doctor, typically 1 to 2 times daily. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, discuss with your doctor the option of switching to the powdered form of the medication.

No, Welchol is not known to cause memory loss. This particular side effect was not reported in clinical trials of the medication. However, memory loss may be associated with other drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, such as certain statins like Lipitor (atorvastatin).

Colesevelam falls into a category of medications referred to as bile acid sequestrants. Its mechanism of action involves binding bile acids in the intestines, leading to the formation of a compound that is subsequently eliminated from the body. Bile acids are produced during the breakdown of cholesterol in the body, and removing them helps lower blood cholesterol levels.

Welchol (colesevelam HCl) differs from statins in the way it reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. While statins act in the liver, Welchol operates in the intestines. It is categorized as a ‘bile acid sequestrant’ and is indicated for lowering LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. Bile acids are essential for digesting dietary fat.

This medication may potentially cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for three consecutive days while using it, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider. Taking this medication is only one aspect of an overall heart-healthy program, which may include a specialized diet.

In clinical trials, colesevelam reduced A1C by 0.32 0.066%, while the placebo increased A1C by 0.23 0.065%, resulting in a significant mean treatment difference of -0.54 0.090% at week 26 according to LOCF analysis (P < 0.001).

It is important not to take Welchol if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.

In a study conducted by Wedlake et al. (2009), adverse effects reported with colesevelam included bloating, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, perianal soreness, weight gain, leg swelling, and facial swelling. Each of these adverse effects occurred in 7% or fewer of the study participants.

Since colesevelam can potentially affect the absorption of other medications or vitamins, it may indirectly worsen liver disease by reducing the effective levels of medications used to treat liver disease.

Interaction between your medications: Colesevelam may increase the blood levels and effects of metFORMIN. You may require a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring of your blood sugar while using both medications.