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WelChol (koh-le-SEV-e-lam) is used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels. WelChol works by attaching to certain substances in the intestine. Since WelChol is not absorbed into the body, these substances also pass out of the body without being absorbed. WelChol is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Tablets
WelChol is used with exercise and diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines. Bile acids are made when cholesterol is broken down in your body. Removing these bile acids helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. WelChol may be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications known as statins (atorvastatin [Lipitor], cerivastatin [Baycol], lovastatin [Mevacor], pravastatin [Pravachol], or simvastatin [Zocor]). WelChol is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. WelChol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with meals and liquid. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take at each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take WelChol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your lipid levels should lower within 2 weeks. WelChol lowers your lipid levels but does not cure high cholesterol. Continue to take WelChol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking WelChol without talking to your doctor. |