Generic name:colesevelam [ KOE-le-SEV-e-lam ]
Drug class:Bile acid sequestrants
What is Welchol?
Welchol lowers "bad" cholesterol in the blood, which is also called LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Lowering your LDL cholesterol may reduce your risk of hardened arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and circulation problems.
Welchol is used to treat high cholesterol in adults and children at least 10 years old.
Welchol is sometimes used together with "statin" cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor, and others.
Welchol is also used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Welchol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take Welchol if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
