Welchol

 
Generic Name: colesevelam

Brands: Welchol

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

· Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are important factors in controlling cholesterol levels.

 

What is Welchol?

· Welchol is a cholesterol lowering drug.

· Welchol is used with diet and exercise to reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol in the blood. This is important in reducing the risk of hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

· Welchol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Welchol?

· Do not take Welchol if you have a bowel obstruction.

· Before taking Welchol, tell your doctor if you:     ·have difficulty swallowing or have a swallowing disorder;     ·have a stomach or bowel disorder;     ·have had any major stomach or bowel surgery; or     ·are susceptible to fat soluble vitamin deficiencies.

· You may not be able to take Welchol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Welchol is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Welchol is not likely to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Welchol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Welchol may decrease the absorption of certain vitamins, which are important during breast-feeding. Do not take Welchol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Welchol?

· Take Welchol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Welchol is usually taken one or two times a day with liquid and a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.

· Store Welchol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· If you take one dose of Welchol a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.

· If you take two doses of Welchol a day and you miss the first dose of the day, take that dose as soon as you remember or together with your second dose of the day. If you miss the second dose of the day, take that dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Welchol overdose may include abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, and intestinal blockage.

 

What should I avoid while taking Welchol?

· Follow any diet or exercise plan outlined by your doctor. Diet and exercise are important factors in controlling cholesterol levels.

 

What are the possible side effects of Welchol?

· Stop taking Welchol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Welchol and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·constipation;     ·upset stomach; or     ·muscle aches or weakness.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Welchol?

· Since other drugs may interact with Welchol, do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines while taking Welchol without first talking to your doctor.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Welchol written for health professionals that you may read.

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