Wondering why Welchol is so hard to find? Learn about Welchol shortages, supply issues, and what you can do to get your prescription filled in 2026.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Welchol (Colesevelam), you're not alone. Many patients across the country have been struggling to fill their Welchol prescriptions in recent months. Whether you take it for high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes, not being able to get your medication is stressful and confusing.
In this article, we'll explain why Welchol has become difficult to find, what's causing the supply problems, and what steps you can take to get your medication.
Welchol is the brand name for Colesevelam hydrochloride, a bile acid sequestrant. It works by binding to bile acids in your intestines and removing them from your body. This forces your liver to use more cholesterol to make new bile acids, which lowers your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
Welchol is FDA-approved for:
For many patients, Welchol is an important part of their treatment plan, especially those who can't tolerate statins or need additional cholesterol-lowering support. Learn more in our guide: What Is Welchol? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
There are several factors contributing to Welchol's limited availability:
Welchol is made by Daiichi Sankyo as a brand-name product. While generic Colesevelam is available, there are only a handful of companies making the generic version. When even one manufacturer has a production issue, the entire supply can be affected.
Colesevelam is a complex polymer, not a simple chemical compound. Manufacturing it requires specialized ingredients and processes. Any disruption in the supply of raw materials can slow down or halt production.
As more doctors prescribe bile acid sequestrants as alternatives for patients who can't take statins, demand for Welchol has grown. The dual use of Welchol for both cholesterol and diabetes management means more patients rely on this medication.
Even when Welchol is being manufactured, distribution issues can create local shortages. Some pharmacies and regions may be affected more than others.
Drug shortages in the United States are tracked by the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Colesevelam has appeared on shortage lists at various times. For the latest information, check our Welchol Shortage Update for 2026.
Even when a drug isn't on a formal shortage list, patients can still have trouble finding it at their local pharmacy. This is sometimes called a "practical shortage" — the drug exists somewhere, but not where you need it.
Here are practical steps to help you get your medication:
The fastest way to find Welchol near you is to use MedFinder. MedFinder checks pharmacy inventories in real time so you can see which pharmacies near you have Welchol or generic Colesevelam available. Read our full guide: How to Find Welchol in Stock Near You.
Sometimes your regular pharmacy can order Welchol from their wholesaler. Ask the pharmacist to place a special order. It may take a few days, but this is often the simplest solution.
If your usual pharmacy can't get Welchol, try calling other pharmacies in your area. Independent pharmacies sometimes have better luck sourcing medications that are in short supply.
If your prescription is written for brand-name Welchol, ask your doctor if generic Colesevelam is an option. The generic version contains the same active ingredient and works the same way, but may be easier to find and costs less.
If Welchol is unavailable for an extended period, your doctor may be able to switch you to another medication. Other bile acid sequestrants like Cholestyramine (Questran) or Colestipol (Colestid) work similarly. For more options, see our article on Alternatives to Welchol.
Mail-order pharmacies and specialty pharmacies often have larger inventories and different supply chains. They may have Welchol when local pharmacies don't.
Here are some tips to avoid running out of Welchol:
Drug shortages are unpredictable. Some resolve in weeks, while others last months. The best thing you can do is stay proactive — use tools like MedFinder to track availability, keep your doctor and pharmacist informed, and have a backup plan in case the shortage continues.
For more information about saving money on Welchol when you do find it, check out our guide: How to Save Money on Welchol in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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