WelChol is a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol and diabetes. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at WelChol, providing detailed information on its uses, side effects, dosing guidelines, and more.
As this eMedTV resource explains, common WelChol side effects include indigestion, runny nose, and constipation. This Web page also lists rare side effects and side effects you should report to your doctor immediately, such as difficulty swallowing.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, WelChol is used to lower "bad" cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. This article also explains how WelChol is used to treat diabetes. There are no universally accepted off-label WelChol uses at this time.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the recommended starting WelChol dosage is 1875 mg twice a day. This page provides dosing guidelines for WelChol and also lists factors that can affect WelChol dosing, such as other medical conditions you may have.
WelChol drug interactions can occur with warfarin, phenytoin, and other drugs. This eMedTV page explains how WelChol can keep some drugs from being fully absorbed into the body and gives examples of drugs that should be taken separately from WelChol.
As this eMedTV article explains, several WelChol precautions and warnings relate to conditions such as bowel obstruction and high triglycerides. This article emphasizes the importance of being aware of these and other precautions with this drug.
WelChol may be given to a pregnant woman if the benefits outweigh potential risks to her fetus. As this eMedTV page explains, WelChol and pregnancy have been studied together only in animals, but in these tests, the drug did not damage the fetuses.
WelChol (colesevelam) is not expected to pass through breast milk. This eMedTV page offers an overview of WelChol and breastfeeding, including information on why it's a good idea to take a multivitamin if you are nursing while taking the drug.
A generic WelChol will not be available until after the drug's patent expires in 2014. However, as this eMedTV Web article warns, online companies advertise generic versions of WelChol that are substandard and dangerous. Don't be fooled.
This eMedTV Web page explores WelChol alternatives such as Altoprev, Crestor, Antara, Triglide, and combination medicines. This page discusses how these alternatives work and factors that can affect which drug your doctor recommends.
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