Generic Name: Welchol for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL (colesevelam)
"I have been using Welchol for several years since I cannot take statins. I have had no problem with memory loss. The only side effect I have suffered is occasional constipation that is easily relieved with adequate fluid intake and fiber supplements. It, in conjunction with my dietary changes, is keeping my cholesterol down adequately."
"My cardio wants my LDL lower than the 88 it is now, because of my having bypass surgery in 1999. He wants it below 70. After about a week of taking 4-625 mg pills per day, I have noticed a change in bowel movements. I used to go once at breakfast, then about an hour later had another bowel motion, but more violent and loose. I would stay in the restaurant until the 2nd bowel motion most of the time, or make sure I was close to one of my usual emergency rest stops-Dr. office, gas station, Port-a-John, or rest room at the mall when doing post-breakfast walk. Now, if this works on my A1c (now 7.5) and lowers LDL, without extreme side effects, I will be very happy. After this short period of time, I'm feeling pretty safe about not being caught unprepared."
"I have been on Welchol for over a year but it is being used to treat the side effects of my not having a gallbladder. I only take an average of 1 per day but my memory doesn't seem any worse than it ever was."
"Only been taking it for about a month for high cholesterol. I have problems with the statins. So far, Welchol has been pretty low on the side effects. I have only noticed some minor constipation if I do not take enough liquids."
"The side effects of Welchol were terrible--constipation, nausea and back pain. My doctor recommended taking one tablet every other day at suppertime. This did not work. I still suffered constipation, nausea and stomach cramps. When I vomited, I decided to stop taking this medication. My symptoms went away, thankfully."
