Get the latest Welchol shortage update for 2026. Learn what's causing the Colesevelam supply issues and what patients can do right now.
If you rely on Welchol (Colesevelam) to manage your cholesterol or type 2 diabetes, you may have noticed it's been harder to find at pharmacies recently. This article provides the latest information on the Welchol supply situation and what you can do about it.
Welchol and generic Colesevelam have experienced intermittent supply disruptions affecting pharmacies across the country. The shortage has impacted both the brand-name product (manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo) and some generic versions.
The situation varies by region and pharmacy. Some areas are more affected than others, and availability can change week to week. The best way to check current availability in your area is to use MedFinder, which shows real-time pharmacy inventory data.
Several factors have contributed to Welchol supply problems:
Colesevelam is a complex polymer — it's not a simple chemical pill. Manufacturing it requires specialized processes and materials. When a manufacturer experiences production delays or quality control issues, it can take weeks or months to recover.
Unlike many common medications that have dozens of generic manufacturers, Colesevelam has relatively few. This means there's less backup supply when one manufacturer has problems.
The raw materials needed to produce Colesevelam are specialized. Global supply chain disruptions can affect the availability of these ingredients, slowing production across all manufacturers.
Welchol serves a dual purpose — cholesterol management and blood sugar control. As awareness of its diabetes benefits grows, more patients are being prescribed the medication, putting additional pressure on supply.
If you can't get your Welchol refill, you may be concerned about:
Don't panic. Welchol is not a medication that causes dangerous withdrawal symptoms if you miss a few doses. However, you should contact your doctor if you'll be without it for more than a week so they can monitor your cholesterol and blood sugar.
Visit medfinder.com to search for pharmacies near you that have Welchol or generic Colesevelam in stock. This is the quickest way to find available supply. For a step-by-step guide, see How to Find Welchol in Stock Near You.
If your prescription is for brand-name Welchol, generic Colesevelam may be easier to find. Ask your doctor to allow generic substitution.
Welchol comes in tablets, oral suspension packets, and chewable bars. If one form is out of stock, another may be available.
During documented drug shortages, many insurance plans will:
Call the number on your insurance card and ask about their shortage policies.
If Welchol is unavailable for an extended period, your doctor can prescribe an alternative. See our full guide: Alternatives to Welchol.
For official updates on drug shortages, check these sources:
The FDA works with manufacturers to resolve drug shortages. This can include:
However, these solutions take time. In the meantime, being proactive about finding your medication is the best approach.
Drug shortages are unfortunately becoming more common across many medication categories. Staying informed and having a plan is key. Bookmark MedFinder and check back regularly for availability updates.
For more context on why Welchol is hard to find, read Why Is Welchol So Hard to Find?. And for tips on reducing your out-of-pocket costs, see How to Save Money on Welchol in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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