This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- diabetes
- high blood fat levels
Brand Name(s): Welchol
Generic Name: Colesevelam
Instructions
Mix the contents of each packet with 4-8 oz. (120-240 mL) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drink. Stir well and drink.
Drink the medicine immediately after mixing.
Take the medicine with a meal.
After taking other medicines, wait at least 4 hours before taking this medicine.
If you are also taking cyclosporine, take this medicine 4 hours after the cyclosporine.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.
This medicine can reduce the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best times to use this product.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it with your next meal. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do NOT take two doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
This medicine usually does not cause low blood sugar levels if you eat regular meals.
Symptoms of low blood sugar may include nausea, shaking, sweating, cold skin, fast heartbeat, hunger, and irritability.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Do not take the medicine more than twice during 24 hours.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
This medicine contains aspartame (phenylalanine). Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical condition that requires you to limit or avoid this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- constipation
- nausea
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
- difficulty swallowing
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about COLESEVELAM - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
