Everything you need to know about Welchol (Colesevelam): what it's used for, how to take it, dosage, side effects, and more. A complete 2026 patient guide.
Welchol is the brand name for Colesevelam hydrochloride, a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called bile acid sequestrants. It's manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo and has been on the market for over two decades.
Welchol is unique because it works entirely inside your digestive system — it is not absorbed into your bloodstream. This makes it different from many other cholesterol and diabetes medications. To understand the science behind how it works, see: How Does Welchol Work?
Welchol has three FDA-approved uses:
Welchol is approved as an add-on to diet and exercise to reduce elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. It can be used alone or in combination with a statin.
Welchol is also approved to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It's one of the few cholesterol medications that has this dual benefit.
Welchol is approved for boys and girls ages 10-17 who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia — a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol levels.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Welchol for conditions not listed on the label, including:
Welchol comes in three forms:
The standard dose is 3 tablets twice daily with meals or 6 tablets once daily with a meal. Always take the tablets with food and a full glass of liquid.
Each packet contains 3.75 grams of Colesevelam. Mix one packet with 8 ounces of water, fruit juice, or a diet soft drink. Never take the powder dry — it must be fully mixed with liquid. Take once daily with a meal.
Chewable bars are taken once daily with a meal. Note that each bar contains about 80 calories, so keep this in mind if you're watching your caloric intake.
No matter which form you use, always take Welchol with a meal for the best results.
Welchol is not right for everyone. You should not take it if you have:
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before starting Welchol, especially if you have a history of GI surgery or digestive problems.
Welchol can affect how your body absorbs other medications. This is one of the most important things to know about taking Welchol. Medications that should be taken at least 4 hours before Welchol include:
For a complete guide, read: Welchol Drug Interactions: What to Avoid.
The most common side effects of Welchol are digestive issues, including:
These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe abdominal pain and bowel obstruction. For detailed information, see: Welchol Side Effects: What to Expect.
The cost of Welchol depends on whether you're getting the brand name or generic, and whether you have insurance:
Most insurance plans cover Welchol, though some may prefer the generic version or require prior authorization. For ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, read: How to Save Money on Welchol.
Welchol has experienced some supply issues in recent years. If you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, you're not alone. Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies near you have Welchol in stock. You can also read our guides:
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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