Prescription Required
Description
Welchol oral suspension is a medical powder consisting of bile acid sequestrant drug called colesevelam. Welchol is also known internationally as Lodalis, and can be purchased in 3.75g!
Welchol oral suspension is used to lower high cholesterol levels and may be used alone, or with other medications such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor, and others. Cholesterol is needed in the body for several reasons. One reason we need cholesterol is to form the structure of cell membranes and to make hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. Our body produces enough cholesterol and only very little is needed from your diet, however, a lot of people end up getting too much cholesterol in their diets which can lead to some unwanted complications. Having high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to become narrow or blocked which stops/slows the blood flow to vital organs, majorly on the brain and heart, leading to stroke. Additionally, this medication may be used to help control blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Welchol oral suspension (colesevelam) is effective at lowering cholesterol levels that are too high because of its ability to remove bile acid from the body, a substance created by the liver using cholesterol. When bile acid is removed, more must be made. The liver will begin to make more bile acid using more cholesterol from the body, therefore lowering the low density lipoprotein, otherwise known as “bad” cholesterol.
Directions
Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Welchol (colesevelam) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.
This medication should be taken with a meal. Mix Welchol in 1 cup (8 ounces) of water; stir well and drink the entire mixture.
Ensure you are following the diet and exercise part of treatment as well, to help ensure this medication works efficiently. You should also drink lots of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor has specifically told you to drink fewer liquids.
Store at room temperature in a low risk area of heat and moisture.
Cautions
Do not use Welchol (colesevelam)
Welchol Oral Suspension should not be used by anyone who is allergic to colesevelam or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
Do not give this medication to girls who have not got their menstrual cycle yet or to children under 12.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Inform your doctor, before starting treatment, if you have ever had trouble swallowing, a stomach, intestinal, or digestive disorder, surgery on your stomach or intestines, or a vitamin A, D, E or K deficiency.
Risks
This medication can cause an increase in triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood, which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before starting treatment or if you become pregnant during treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Welchol Oral Suspension (colesevelam) may include:
constipation; nausea; or upset stomach.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Welchol Oral Suspension (colesevelam) may include:
severe constipation; or severe stomach pain.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.
FAQs
What is Welchol medication?
Welchol (Oral Solution), or Lodalis when purchased internationally, is a prescription medication containing 3.75g (3750mg) of colesevelam; a bile acid sequestrant drug. This medication is administered orally in suspension form and can be purchased at My Drug Center with a valid prescription.
What is the drug Welchol used for?
Welchol (Oral Suspension) is used for the treatment of high cholesterol; a condition associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (such as coronary heart disease and stroke).
What does Welchol do?
Bile acid, which is used to help break down food, is created in the liver using cholesterol. Colesevelam (Welchol Oral Suspension) is a bile acid sequestrant; therefore it is able to remove bile acid from the body, causing a shortage of bile acid. This will signal your body to produce more bile acid to compensate for the low levels. The liver will then collect cholesterol from the body to turn into bile acid, thus reducing the total amount of cholesterol present in the body.
What are the side effects of Welchol?
The most commonly reported side effects of Welchol (Oral Suspension) include constipation, nausea, or upset stomach. Side effects usually occur while your body adjusts to the new medication; these side effects should not alarm you. Not all possible side effects have been listed here.
When will generic Welchol be available?
A generic form of Welchol Oral Suspension is in the making and may be available soon. However, at this time, there is no generic available for purchase. Alternatively, to save money on the name brand medication; we sell the brand-name Welchol for a lower cost than the common retail price in the United States, by almost half. You can access these prices with a valid prescription at My Drug Center.
How much does Welchol cost?
Welchol Oral Suspension, in the United States, is a tier 3 medication. This puts the expense of Welchol Oral Suspension higher than tier 1 and tier 2 medications, such as Questran Light or Colestid, which are other medications also used for high cholesterol. The price of Welchol Oral Suspension even exceeds that of the Welchol oral tablet containing colesevelam. At My Drug Center, Welchol Oral Suspension (30 packets of 3.75g) will cost about $428.00; that is more than $350 cheaper than the average retail price for the same strength and quantity of Welch Oral Suspension in the United States.
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