Welchol Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Welchol

• Welchol may cause dangerous side effects if a serious allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms of this adverse reaction may include hoarseness or wheezing, difficulty breathing, rash, redness or itchiness of the skin, or hives, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat or face.
• This medication may also cause a rare but serious condition known as pancreatitis if TG levels become imbalanced. Beware of any symptoms, such as abdominal swelling or discomfort, increases in heart rate, or abdominal pain that radiates.

Common Side Effects of Welchol

• headache,drowsiness or fatigue
• muscle weakness or pain
• flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, soreness of the throat and coughing
• minor constipation and indigestion
• upset stomach, nausea or vomiting
• gassy or bloated feeling
• heartburn (indigestion)

If any of these symptoms worsen or do not go away, call your doctor right away.

Warnings & Recalls for Welchol

Welchol and Pregnancy

Welchol has been assigned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a pregnancy Category B medicine. Welchol is not known to cause any serious harm to the fetus if taken during pregnancy. However, women who are pregnant should take caution as you may suffer from difficulties in absorbing vitamins and nutrients which are vital during breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding do not take Welchol without consulting your doctor.

General Warnings

Welchol may not be safe for all patients, especially those who are allergic to colesevelam. This medication may interfere with the absorption of vitamin K or fat-soluble vitamins in the body. Patients who suffer from any of the following may not be able to take Welchol:

• any blockages in the intestines
• if you have high triglyceride levels (over 500 mg/dL)
• if you have had gastrointestinal procedures or surgery
• a history of pancreas inflammation

Be sure to let your doctor know about any medical conditions you may have, especially:

• any gastrointestinal disorders
• if you have high triglyceride levels greater than 300 mg/dL
• trouble swallowing
• any abnormal bleeding or blood problems
• low levels of vitamin A, D, E or K
• if you are pregnant or may become pregnant

Welchol Interactions

Welchol may interact with other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and products you are using, particularly:

• transplant rejection medicines
• seizure preventive drugs
• blood thinners
• medications for controlling triglyceride levels
• type 2 diabetes treatments
• hormonal pills or birth control

 

Welchol Treatment and Use

Welchol | Colesevelam is a  bile acid sequestrant medicine marketed by Daiichi Sankyo for reducing cholesterol levels. Welchol may also be prescribed for treating high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Welchol may improve side effects of high cholesterol through the following:

• controlling blood sugar levels
• increasing the ability to exercise
• preventing serious conditions such as heart disorders, heart attacks, and strokes

How Does Welchol Work?

Welchol works by attaching to bile acids in the intestines and removing this harmful waste from the body. By decreasing bile, cholesterol levels are also lowered and clogging of the arteries is prevented and reduced. This allows for a more efficient flow of oxygen throughout your system.

How to Use Welchol

Welchol comes in tablet or powder (for oral suspension) form to be taken orally. Welchol is typically prescribed to be taken two times each day in doses of 3 pills to be swallowed with a full glass of liquid and a meal or in one dose of 6 tablets. Ask your doctor which dosage amount is right for your condition.

Read and follow all packaged instructions while using Welchol. Do not crush or break tablets. If you are using the powder, empty the contents of the package in 4 to 8 ounces of water or approved liquids and drink the mixture immediately.

Keep taking Welchol even if your symptoms have been reduced, and continue using Welchol until your prescription cycle has been completed. If you are using any other medications, do not take them within 4 hours of using Welchol as this may cause dangerous side effects.

Other Names for Welchol

Brand name:

• Welchol

Generic name:

• Colesevelam

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Welchol