Colesevelam User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• JDano
• December 13, 2018

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I've been using Welchol for years due to bile salts and IBS and it was a game changer for me. Insurance switched me to Generic a few months back and I am back to have chronic bouts of diarrhea every time I eat or drink something. Are there others out there with similar experience?"

• NPad
• April 21, 2012

Welchol (colesevelam) for High Cholesterol "Severe headache (migraines) and nausea, some hives and itching after two weeks on medication. I am allergic to statins (severe muscle pain), and this was my last resort. Genetic high cholesterol. Diet is my only option at this point. I am a 52-year-old female, 125 lbs, 5'5'. Stop taking this after two weeks on samples doctor gave me."

• BCano
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 30, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Responding to JD and Emmy I had my gallbladder removed about 10 years ago, and had constant problems with diarrhea - especially in the mornings. I heard about Welchol from a GI and it was amazing. Worked like a charm and was only taking one pill a day at bedtime. Since I was only taking one a day, it was way below the usual prescription rate, so a 90 supply would last me a long time. I ran out of brand name Welchol about 6 months ago and was switched to the generic when I had to get a new prescription. I've been having problems ever since. I'm now taking 4 pills a day. There definitely seems to be a difference. I'm also wondering if the manufacturer of the generic might make a difference."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I have had IBS my whole life. I would take Imodium in my twenties before any outing and while it controlled diarrhea it made me nauseous, jittery and constipated. So I avoided dinners out, dreaded all away from the home festivities, much to my active families shagrin. Then my Dr. prescribed welchol around 40 years old I am 49 now. Up to six a day as needed. Seemed like a lot. I started with 2. Now I only take one before meals out and start a couple of days ahead of time if I will be traveling (on the road food UGH!) I have a life now, still watch my main triggers though, nothings fail proof. Just have to experiment with it to see what works for you. But I thank God for the day I got my life back. My family does too! Very expensive when I didn’t have insurance so I bought it 7 to 10 pills at time."

• Trish
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I've had chronic diarrhea for 20 years and any time I went to a GI doc all they wanted to do was make $ doing a procedure. I had a botched colonoscopy because the doctor didn't go far enough and wanted to do another one right away. I said no way! Went to a NP who let me try colesevelam and it is a miracle drug. I don't know what caused the diarrhea (I have my gall bladder) because she didn't give me a diagnosis. I asked to try the drug. I only take one a day and am so happy to have my life back. I'm normal. So please, if any doctors are reading this. Think about what's right for your patient, not about how to make $."

• Jan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 1, 2017

Welchol (colesevelam) for High Cholesterol "Started taking Welchol in 2012. To date my LDL has dropped 30%. I recently took the time to read the insert with the medication and was appalled to see that this medication contains aspartame. This is the sugar substitute that I stopped using several years ago because of the muscle pain I was experiencing. Two weeks later the muscle pain was gone. I was also diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer in April, 2015. Aspartame is suspected to be a cancer causing agent. What is this drug company thinking? Stevia is a sugar substitute that is safe and it's a natural sweetener. If a sweetener is necessary, why not use Stevia. I am weaning myself off of Welchol, and will consult with my cardiologist at my next visit."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "My story is similar to others. The first thing I would locate in a store or a restaurant was the bathroom because I knew I would have to go before we left there. I even turned down job opportunities because the bathroom was too far away from where I would sit in fear that I wouldn't make it in time. That is no way to live. After a colonoscopy and stool lab results my doctor put me on Welchol, which I call the poop pill. In my opinion, it is the miracle medicine. I take 3 every night before bedtime and I have not had any more issues. I can enjoy leaving the house and not worry about wearing white clothes. I am one happy camper!"

• AngieDe
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2022

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I am 67 years old and have had IBS-D for all of my life. I had my first upper lower GI series at 5 years old. Since the mid-1980 I have survived life with Imodium. Without this drug I wouldn’t have been able to hold down a job. IBS-D crippled me from doing simple things like going on field trips with my children. I lived in constant fear of not being able to locate a bathroom when I needed it. A few months ago my primary care physician told me that his wife, who also had IBS-D, was using WelChol and she was having great results. He gave me a prescription for WelChol and literally changed my life that day. I have not used any Imodium in over six months. I have traveled with confidence, and I am enjoying my life in a way I never have before! This drug is literally a miracle for me. I take two in the morning with my breakfast and one with my dinner. If I’m traveling I will take two with the dinner. WelChol is a blessing and an answer to my prayers."

• Wonde...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "For 40 years I've had to spend a lot of time on the toilet. So much so that it has now become a habit that I spend as much as 30-40 mins at a time just reading or watching you tube. Then I met my new girlfriend who pretty much noticed from the start that something was not right. I had suffered kidney stones from my early 20's and always had cramps. Then I was referred to a doctor who had the time to listen to me, who took the time to try and find the cause. Turns out I have had a very severe case of Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) for my whole life. Who knew? I was prescribed colesevelam which I now have to take 6 a day but the change has been amazing. I'm not saying I'm cured but I can live again. Don't take no for an answer."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2010

Welchol (colesevelam) for High Cholesterol "Have been on Welchol Oral Suspension or Tabs for a little less than a year, my LDL-C went down about 38%. Oral Suspension is a nice option, just mix in water bottle with 3/4 filled with water, shake it and have with my dinner."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "So glad I found these reviews and comments. I'd been struggling for a year with chronic diarrhea. I would get spasms and cramps after eating and it would come pouring out of me. The most notable thing that would happen is every morning I would wake up and I would go and go. I was losing weight. Nothing I tried worked. The gastroenterologist tested me for infections -- negative. Then thought it was UC, and gave me immune suppressing drugs with no change. Then they said it was IBS, and gave me antispasmodic drugs. Nothing worked. I read something about Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) and found these reviews and asked her if I could try this drug. I think she was pretty skeptical, but she prescribed it anyway. Within 48 hours, the diarrhea stopped. It is like a miracle drug, and it changed how I lived my life. I had avoided travel and/or hiking worry about where the bathroom was. And now I had my freedom back. I just wonder how many more people could benefit from this and are needlessly suffering?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 26, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I'm a 51 year old health professional. In 1983 at the age of 17 I had my gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy). Although my painful gallstone attacks ended, like others I began suffering irritable bowel symptoms for the next 25 years. These frequent bouts of cramping and urgent diarrhea impacted my work, travel and social life. In 2010 I changed my GP and he recommended the off-label use of Wechol as a solution to my GI problems. I cannot overemphasize the profound and positive impact this drug has had on my lifestyle. If you've had your gall bladder removed and are having GI problems, please talk with your doctor about this medication."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2008

Welchol (colesevelam) for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL "I have been using Welchol for several years since I cannot take statins. I have had no problem with memory loss. The ONLY side effect I have suffered is occasional constipation that is easily relieved with adequate fluid intake and fiber supplements. It, in conjunction with my dietary changes, is keeping my cholesterol down adequately ."

• Hubie
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 11, 2024

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Colesevelam gave me my life back. I was diagnosed with a low-functioning gallbladder with sludge, and it was recommended that I have it removed. After surgery, I was left with chronic severe diarrhea that made it difficult to leave the house until the morning purge was over. I finally made an appointment with a gastroenterologist, and after trying a few things that didn't help, she recommended I try colesevelam. It took a little bit to get the dosage adjusted to get it to work best with my needs, but I can live a pretty normal life now. I take 2-3 tablets twice daily. I also read about adding Metamucil fiber capsules along with the colesevelam, which seemed to help even more. Fiber balances the liquid in the gut. I take 3 capsules 3x daily with food, but it needs to be added very gradually. Colesevelam needs to be taken with food and NOT just before lying down. Also, generics vary greatly. Zydus was worthless! Amneal is good. Cosette the best."

• aecmagn
• March 21, 2011

Welchol (colesevelam) for High Cholesterol "Too soon to tell if it is lowering cholesterol, but did want to mention it is very easy to take, but can cause abdominal bloating. I had such gas pains, didn't know how to get comfortable. Doctor suggested Miralax which did the trick with the bloating."

• Susan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2023

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Unlike the majority of the reviews I have not had my gallbladder removed. I have suffered with diarrhea for 30 years with the last ten being so bad I had to bring extra clothes and wet wipes with me everywhere I went. Ten to twelve times a day running to the bathroom often with accidents even thought less than ten feet away. It is like the challenges of getting ready for a colonoscopy every single day of your life. Three months ago a GI doctor said I think you might have Bile Acid Malabsorption. Let’s try this medication and see if it works. Life returned to a normal state within four days. I could not use the powder as it made my stomach hurt. The colesevelam is a miracle drug that has me traveling out of the country in less than three months."

• Medusa
• November 18, 2015

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I have had diarrhea for the past 25 years. I also had my gall bladder removed in 2006 was running on 12 % for who knows how long. Quality of life socially was impaired by needing a bathroom w/o much of a warning at least 4 to 5 times a day. I would not go out in public for very long. And forget ever eating out! I tried everything over the counter and behind the counter and sometimes both with little to no relief. Finally my P/A and I put our heads together and came up with Welchor. it has been a big life changer. I am starting to do things that I haven't been able to do for quite some time. it's been a big life changer for me. 4 months now, 3 x 625 mg twice daily. No side effects as of yet. 52 yr/female."

• Dsale
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "After having my gallbladder take out I was told to be careful what I ate. No fatty foods, etc and I would get back to normal in a couple months. After a 18 month period with diarrhea up to 10 times a day I went to my nurse practitioner and she gave me welchol. I take one tablet at noon and two with myself evening meal. After 2 weeks I have my life back."

• Nitta...
• July 13, 2014

Welchol (colesevelam) for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL "My Cardio. wants my LDL lower than the 88 it is now, because of my having a bypass surgery in 1999, he wants it below 70. After about a week of taking 4- 625 mg pills per day I have noticed a change in bowl movement. I used to go once at breakfast, then about an hour later had another Bowel Motion, but more violent and loose. Would stay in the restaurant until 2nd Bowel Motion most of the time, or make sure I was close to one of my usual emergency rest stops--Dr. office, gas station, Port-John or rest room at the mall when doing post breakfast walk. Now, if this works on my A1c (now 7.5) and lowers LDL, without extreme side effects, I will be very happy. After this short period of time I'm feeling pretty safe about not being caught unprepared."

• Maria
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 18, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Like everyone else after gall bladder removal I had awful daily diarrhea, Colesevam sure made my life bearable but now my insurance says no longer in the formulary, what to do now? any suggestions? Please, I am very worry"

• Slaye...
• June 21, 2013

Welchol (colesevelam) for High Cholesterol "51yr old male - High blood pressure, diabetic with bad HDL/LDL ratio (total cholesterol around 100). I do NOT eat right (but I am getting better at it). Been on the suspension for about a year now. I can tell by my energy level and overall 'feeling' when I take it - don't seem to have the highs and lows. Hate the taste and texture when mixed with plain water so a lot of days I just didn't take it. I have found that if I mix it with 8oz of water and add a shot of orange MIO that it is fine. Also, I was taking it at night (just before bed) but I was having terrible heartburn. Now taking it in the morning and no such problem... Only reason I didn't give it a 10 is ease of use."

• Emmy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2018

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Had my gall bladder out and a few months later starting getting diarrhea no matter what I ate. Starting living on lomotil 8 pills a day. Then a GI Dr told me about Welchol. The miracle cure was amazing. Started with 6 pills down to 1 a day and feeling great. THEN I WAS GIVEN THE NEW GENERIC. I am backing to needing lomotil...not as bad as before but was wondering if anyone else has had problems with the generic. I want to go back to the brand label but my insurance will probably not pay for it"

• Okeyc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 9, 2018

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Changed my life. I have Crohns and had 2 bowel resections, decades of diarrhoea which vanished with these brilliant tablets. I take 3 every time I eat. One before the meal, one in the middle of the meal, one after the meal. Plenty of fluid with them. So sad that I went so many years before this simple remedy was prescribed for me."

• GFgal
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Responding to Tishayoung- I have been on it for a few months consistently now, and I've noticed its a very strong dosage that causes nausea if I don't eat enough food with it, and yet I still have good/bad days on it. I did a trial where I quit taking it, and I had diarrhea nearly instantly the next morning. So it definitely DOES work to some extent, but I still find myself having to take imodium alongside it which seems ridiculous at 6 pills/day. Maybe from what I'm reading, Welchol works better than the generic? Has anyone else got any input on this? I know generics can differ a little, but I'm willing to switch to the brand if it works better! Glad its working well for those who I've read about on here though."

• Bella
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had horrible cramping, bloating and diarrhea following my gall bladder removal for 3 years. A doctor suggested trying one Lodalis (Colesevelsm) 625 mg a day. It’s an off label use for people with high cholesterol (which I don’t have). It is now 7 years later. No symptoms anymore and I can eat whatever I want with no problems. Good luck!"