When taken with diet and exercise, WelChol, a cholesterol lowering medication helps reduce LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels in the blood. WelChol can be taken with or without other cholesterol lowering medications. It is left to the doctor to decide.

WelChol is a non-systemic cholesterol drug where it does not get absorbed into the bloodstream or pass through the liver and kidneys. Instead it travels to the intestines to bind to form bile acids which are eliminated from the body. Bile acids are made from cholesterol and are formed using bad cholesterol, which reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood.

In monotherapy, WelChol is administered if diet and exercise is not helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. Taking WelChol with other prescribed statins in combination therapy helps lower bad cholesterol levels. It is important that you consult your doctor before starting on WelChol as it is not advised for people with bowel blockage. Inform the doctor of any medication that you take before starting WelChol.

There are some side effects associated with WelChol like constipation, indigestion and gas. Moreover, it has not been proven to prevent heart disease or heart attacks. It is mainly because of the fact that WelChol, being a non-systemic drug that does not absorb into the blood stream or pass through the liver and kidney that it produces fewer systemic side effects. People suffering from bowel blockage or have sensitivity to any of the ingredients found in WelChol are not advised to take WelChol.