Welchol is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may be used on its own or together with statin drugs. Welchol can also improve blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Welchol exactly as prescribed.

• Take with a meal and full glass of water.
• You may have to take multiple tablets at each dose.
• Use together with diet, exercise, and weight control to help manage cholesterol and/or Type 2 diabetes.

Before taking Welchol, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• High triglycerides
• Pancreatitis
• Bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal disorders or surgery
• Vitamin A, D, E or K deficiency
• Trouble swallowing

Common side effects of Welchol include:

• Headache
• Weakness or fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Indigestion, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting
• Flu symptoms, runny nose, sore throat

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Severe stomach pain or constipation
• Allergic reaction – trouble breathing, hives, swelling in face, mouth or throat

Is Welchol a statin?

No. Welchol is a type of drug called a bile acid sequestrant. It may be used along with statin drugs to help lower cholesterol, and also works to help control blood sugar.