Welchol Tablets

Welchol® (
 colesevelam hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved for treating high cholesterol. It is also used to help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
 
Welchol tablets belong to a class of medications known as bile acid sequestrants, which work by preventing bile acids from being reabsorbed into the body. This action helps to lower both total and LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol), while raising HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
 
The medication is available in one strength only (Welchol 625 mg) and is taken by mouth once or twice a day with meals.
 
Although most people tolerate Welchol well, side effects are possible. Some of the side effects that were reported with this medicine during clinical studies include indigestion or heartburn, constipation, and nausea.
 
(Click WelChol for more information on how Welchol tablets work for lowering cholesterol and treating type 2 diabetes, to find out when and how to take this medication, and for a list of important warnings and precautions to be aware of before starting treatment.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;