Welchol (Colesevelam)

Please read the instructions before using Welchol (colesevelam) tablets.

Do’s

• The dosage of Welchol may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and the dosage prescribed on the medication label.
• Take this medication by mouth with a meal as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 1 to 2 times daily.
• Take the tablet form with a liquid, such as water or milk. Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing it.
• If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, talk to your healthcare provider about switching to the powder form of this medication.
• If you are using the powder form of this medication, pour the contents of one packet into a glass. Add one cup (8 ounces/240 milliliters) of water, fruit juice, or diet soda. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it.
• Take this drug regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time(s) each day to help you remember.
• It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
• Welchol may decrease the absorption of other products you may be taking, such as cyclosporine, glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, levothyroxine, phenytoin, and birth control pills that contain ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. Take other medications as directed by your healthcare provider, usually at least 4 hours before taking your Welchol dose.
• If you are unsure about when to take your medications, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Don’ts

• Do not take the powder form without mixing it in liquid.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe constipation
• Severe stomach pain
• Pancreatitis (severe pain in the upper stomach spreading to the back, nausea, and vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking Welchol, stop using the medication and call your healthcare provider immediately.

You should not take Welchol if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.

Patients on oral vitamin supplementation should take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to taking this drug.

Welchol, like other bile acid sequestrants, can increase serum triglyceride concentrations, which can cause acute pancreatitis

Consult a healthcare provider before taking Welchol and any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Welchol (Colesevelam) Drug Interactions

1. Cyclosporine: Welchol may reduce cyclosporine levels in the body [1].
2. Phenytoin: Taking Welchol with phenytoin may lower phenytoin levels or increase seizure risk [2].
3. Warfarin: Welchol can reduce INR levels in patients on warfarin, requiring close monitoring [2].
4. Levothyroxine: Welchol may decrease the absorption of this thyroid medication [3].
5. Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may be less effective when taken with Welchol [3].
6. Olmesartan: Welchol may reduce the absorption of this blood pressure medication [3].
7. Sulfonylureas: These diabetes medications may be less effective when combined with Welchol [3].
8. Metformin Extended-Release: This drug can increase metformin levels in the body [2].

To minimize interactions, take these medications at least 4 hours before Welchol. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining this drug with other medications.

How to store Welchol tablets?

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from moisture. Brief exposure to 40°C (104°F) does not adversely affect these tablets.

Brand Name:	Welchol
Generic name:	Colesevelam, Colesevelam Hydrochloride
Other Names:	Cholestagel, Colesevelam Hydrochloride
Strength(s):	625mg
Quantities Available:	180, 360, 540
Formulation:	Tablet