Welchol (Colesevelam Hcl) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Heart Attack »

Heart attack facts

A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle and heart muscle dies.
The blood clot that causes the heart attack usually forms at the site of rupture of an atherosclerotic, cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery.
The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain.
The most common complications of a heart attack are heart failure and ventricular fibrillation.
The risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack include elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and a family history of heart attacks at an early age.
Heart attacks are diagnosed with electrocardiograms and measurement of cardiac enzymes in blood.
Early reopening of blocked coronary arteries reduces the amount of damage to the heart and im...

Read the Heart Attack article »

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Welchol Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking colesevelam (Welchol)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to colesevelam, or if you have a bowel obstruction or if you have ever had pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.

Before taking colesevelam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

trouble swallowing;
a stomach, intestinal, or digestive disorder;
a history of major stomach or bowel surgery; or
if you have a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take colesevelam.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Taking colesevelam can make it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. These vitamins are important if you are nursing a baby. Do not take colesevelam without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take colesevelam (Welchol)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a meal and a full glass of water or other liquid.

You may have to take up to 7 tablets at a time each time you take colesevelam. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Colesevelam is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Do not change the dose or timing of any other cholesterol or diabetes medications without your doctor's advice.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store colesevelam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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