Welchol

Note: This document contains side effect information about colesevelam. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Welchol.

Common side effects of Welchol include: constipation. Other side effects include: dyspepsia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to colesevelam: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet

Along with its needed effects, colesevelam (the active ingredient contained in Welchol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking colesevelam:

Less common

• Anxiety
• blurred vision
• chills
• cold sweats
• coma
• confusion
• congestion
• cool, pale skin
• cough
• depression
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry or sore throat
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• hoarseness
• increased hunger
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches or pain
• nausea
• nervousness
• nightmares
• pounding in the ears
• runny nose
• seizures
• shakiness
• shivering
• slow or fast heartbeat
• slurred speech
• sweating
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble with sleeping
• trouble with swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• voice changes
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• Bleeding after defecation
• darkened urine
• difficulty with swallowing
• indigestion
• pain or discomfort in the chest
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pressure in the stomach
• severe stomach pain
• swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
• unable to swallow saliva
• uncomfortable swelling around the anus
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects of colesevelam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloating
• constipation
• full or bloated feeling
• heartburn
• pain or cramping in the abdomen or stomach
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Less common

• Lack or loss of strength
• sneezing
• stuffy nose

Applies to colesevelam: oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet

The most frequently reported side effects were constipation, dyspepsia, and nausea.

Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 11%), flatulence

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal stools, abdominal distension

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysphagia

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pancreatitis

Frequency not reported: Intestinal obstruction

Postmarketing reports: Bowel obstruction, esophageal obstruction, fecal impaction, exacerbation of hemorrhoids, pancreatitis

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertriglyceridemia, hypoglycemia

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, myocardial infarction, aortic stenosis, bradycardia

Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection

Common (1% to 10%): Accidental injury, asthenia, flu syndrome/influenza, fatigue, creatine phosphokinase increased

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum transaminases increased

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, back pain

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Postmarketing reports: Increased seizure activity (resulting from decreased phenytoin levels)

In clinical trials of type 2 diabetes, patient who received this drug as an add on to a sulfonylurea discontinued the trial due to body rash and mouth blistering that occurred on the first day of therapy.

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction

Postmarketing reports: Reduced international normalized ration (INR) in patient on warfarin therapy

Postmarketing reports: Increased transaminases

Postmarketing reports: Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement