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 = Prescription Required
 = Generic Equvalent
Welchol
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Welchol
625mg Tablets
Colesevelam
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Welchol Information
Colesevelam (By mouth)
Colesevelam (koe-le-SEV-e-lam)
Used together with diet and exercise to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and to treat type 2 diabetes.
Brand Name(s):Welchol
There may be other brand names for Welchol. When Welchol Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Welchol if you have had an allergic reaction to colesevelam, or if you have a bowel obstruction, severe hypertriglyceridemia (very high triglyceride levels in the blood), or a history of pancreatitis caused by hypertriglyceridemia. Do not use Welchol if you have type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) or if you are in diabetic ketoacidosis. How to Use Welchol:
Tablet, Powder
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Welchol to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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Take Welchol with a meal. Drink some kind of liquid (water, milk, juice) when you swallow the tablet.
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Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
If a dose is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Welchol:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. .
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using birth control pills, glyburide (Micronase®), levothyroxine (Synthroid®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). These medicines should be taken at least four hours before taking colesevelam.
Warnings While Using Welchol:
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have trouble swallowing, if you have ongoing problems with constipation or digestion, or if you have a history of vitamin deficiency or poor nutrition. Also tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your digestive system (stomach or intestines).
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Your doctor may want to measure the cholesterol levels in your blood on a regular basis to make sure Welchol is working properly. Be sure to keep all of your appointments. You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly at home.
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If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Recheck your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar goes above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, coworkers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar.
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Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are important in lowering your cholesterol and blood sugar levels and keeping them low. Welchol will help control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, but it does not replace good eating habits and regular exercise.
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Welchol can cause constipation, and for some people this can be very uncomfortable. If you have problems with severe constipation while taking Welchol, talk to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using Welchol:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
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Headache, dizziness, or blurred vision.
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Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.
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Trouble swallowing.
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Weakness, drowsiness, confusion, increased hunger, fast heartbeat, or shakiness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Constipation or upset stomach.
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Muscle pain.
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Runny or stuffy nose.
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Tiredness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Welchol, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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