Safely Buy Welchol ( Colesevelam ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Welchol (colesevelam) is a medication used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to treat high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Welchol works by removing bile acids from the body and lowering levels of LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. In addition, Welchol is indicated as the only FDA-approved medication with a single active ingredient proven to lower both high blood sugar (A1C) and LDL cholesterol together.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth with a meal, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take the tablet form with a liquid (such as water, or milk). If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, talk to your doctor about switching to the powder form of this medication.

If you are using this medication’s powder form, pour one packet into a glass. Add one cup (8 ounces/240 millilitres) of water, fruit juice, or diet soda. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it. Do not take the powder without mixing it in liquid.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Colesevelam may decrease the absorption of other products you may be taking. Some examples include cyclosporine, glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, levothyroxine, and phenytoin, as well as birth control pills that contain ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.

Take other medications as directed by your doctor, usually at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your medications.

Side Effects

Welchol can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Welchol. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Welchol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Mild side effects of Welchol include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Weakness or lack of energy
• Muscle aches or pain
• Sore throat

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Vitamin deficiencies
  • Symptoms can include:
    • Bleeding more easily than usual
    • Changes in vision
    • Fatigue
• Allergic reaction
• Digestive problems
• High triglycerides and acute swelling of your pancreas

Cautions

Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of pancreatitis (caused by high triglyceride levels), high triglyceride levels, trouble swallowing, stomach/intestinal disorders (such as constipation, blockage, and gastroparesis), recent major intestinal surgery, hemorrhoids.

Because this drug can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) when used for a while, your doctor may direct you to take a multivitamin supplement. Take the multivitamin at least 4 hours before taking your colesevelam dose.

The powder form of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk or harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Welchol is available in the following form and strengths:

Colesevelam Tablet:

• 625 mg

FAQ

Can Welchol be taken with other medications?

Welchol may interact with certain medications, so patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any other medications with Welchol.

Can Welchol be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

The safety of Welchol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been established, so pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before taking Welchol.

How long should I take Welchol?

Patients should continue taking Welchol for as long as recommended by their healthcare provider.

What dietary restrictions should I follow while taking Welchol?

Patients taking Welchol are advised to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen to maximize the medication’s effectiveness.

Resources:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-welchol#side-effects
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/022362s007lbl.pdf
3. https://www.welchol.com/
4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-19893/welchol-oral/details