WelChol Side Effects

Common WelChol side effects include constipation, sore throat, and heartburn. These are typically minor and easily treated. Most people have no problems when taking the drug. Some side effects, however, should be reported to your healthcare provider right away. These side effects of WelChol include severe stomach pain (with nausea or vomiting) and unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.

An Introduction to WelChol Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with WelChol® (colesevelam hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with WelChol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of WelChol side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of WelChol

WelChol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
 In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of WelChol include:
 
  • Constipation -- in up to 11 percent of people
  • Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 8.3 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 4.2 percent
  • The common cold -- up to 4.1 percent.
     
Other common side effects (occurring in 2 to 4 percent of people) include:
 
  • Accidental injury
  • Weakness
  • Sore throat
  • The flu
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain.
     

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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