WelChol

Name: WelChol (Colesevelam HCL)

Purpose: To decrease total and LDL cholesterol and raise HDL.

Action:   Binding bile acids (made up largely of cholesterol) in the intestine, which are then excreted in the stool.  As the liver makes more bile acid to replace what is lost, it utilizes cholesterol from the blood.  (Bile acids aid in digestion.)

Dose:   The recommended adult dose is 6 tablets daily with liquids and a meal or 3 tablets twice a day with liquids and a meal. The dose may be increased to 7 tablets if necessary.

You should not take WelChol if you have:
- A bowel obstruction
- Difficulty swallowing
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- A triglyceride level above 300 mg/dl
- Are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the tablets. 
- You may be instructed not to take WelChol if you are pregnant or nursing.

Possible side effects:  Call your doctor or the cholesterol clinic if you have: 
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches.

Lab tests: Your cholesterol and triglycerides will be checked periodically to confirm favorable initial and adequate long-term responses.