WelChol is a cholesterol-lowering medication that works to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol along with diet and exercise. It can be taken alone or with other cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins.
Unlike the most frequently prescribed cholesterol drugs, WelChol is
non-systemic. This means it is not absorbed into the bloodstream and doesn't pass through your liver and kidneys. It travels through the body to the intestines, where it binds to bile acids, which are then carried out of the body by the normal digestive process. Bile acids are made from cholesterol. Therefore, the body needs to use bad cholesterol to make more bile acids. This process reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood.
WelChol is not for everyone, especially those with bowel blockage. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or severe stomach or intestinal problems. Also, tell your doctor if you have high triglycerides (greater than 300 mg/dL), Vitamin K or other fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are reastfeeding . WelChol has not been studied in combination with all dications and supplements. Please tell you doctor about all medications and supplements you are on before taking WelChol. Side effects may include constipation, indigestion and gas. WelChol has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks.