Colesevelam for Diarrhea, Chronic User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2019

"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

"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 $."

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

"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

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

"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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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

"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

"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."

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

"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"

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

"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

"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

"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

"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!"

• Yay...
• November 22, 2014

"I had my gall bladder removed in 2007. Afterwards life was miserable! My GI dr had no real explanation and after few tests put me on cholestramine powder and life was good. But after 10 years and i am someone who travels frequently and also a volunteer firefighter it was bothersome to have a juice and bottle to mix the powder every morning. Also the meds didnt always provide 24 hr relief if i wasnt able to take dose at the same time everyday. I finally checked on welchol and although pricey after just 2 wks and 1 pill daily its almost like a miracle pill!! I can now say life is great!! No break through random episodes of diarrhea!!! Im now more relaxed to travel and enjoy not worrying if ill have an accident!!!!"

• Pjano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2018

"Welchol work very well on the diarrhea I experienced after having my gall bladder removed. I take two at breakfast and have no fears of diarrhea any more. I like the fact they do not work through my kidneys or liver but the intestines sort of like kitty litter mopping up excess bile. These just went generic so the cost will come down. As an added bonus they will also work on my cholesterol. So in my opinion these pills are a win win!!"

• GFgal
• February 25, 2019

"I was diagnosed with Celiac disease when I was 16. With a GF diet I had it all under control until this past summer. My symptoms came back full swing and with no indication of why. I had colonoscopies, endoscopes, MRIs, biopsies, etc. Doc discovered BAM (Bile acid malabsorption) as the cause for my diarrhea and cramping which occurred EVERY time I’d eat anything. It got in the way of my schooling, social life, work,e ven running errands. It’s almost ludicrous the amount of things it stopped me from doing as it got more unpredictable. Not a way to live at 21. We’re doing a trial of colesevelam. I take 3 tabs twice daily with meals which seems like a lot to me, but it is working so far. Some days I pair it with Imodium but that’s only if I don’t take colesevelam tabs at the exact same time each morning/evening. I am concerned about how it interacts with BC pills because of the amount I take each day (6 pills at 625 mg). Has anyone else been prescribed that high of a dosage? Did they lower it over time?"

• suzyE
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2018

"Like a lot of other people my IBS was misdiagnosed after 25 years plus, not only affecting my whole life - changing my personality, social skills; had CBT - hypnosis and a heck of a lot of money I've spent searching for answers, treatments. My husband has also suffered silently because his life has been also affected in lots of ways. How was it missed?!!! Mine is a very long story. However I would like to find out if there is a forum for people like me, I've been on colesevelam since last September, but I still have to take Imodium, up to 10 per day, is anyone else out there taking both, would like to know how they are getting on."

• Ed79
• March 13, 2017

"I stared having mild diarrhea around the age of 12, around 4/6 times a day as I got older this increased and caused me to stop exercising, as it I had chronic diarrhea! I tried everything to limit it, including massive doses of Imodium but nothing touched it, at the age of 31 whilst suffering painful chronic diarrhea 20+ times a day and suffering constant exhaustion I luckily found a news paper article that highlighted bile acid malabsorption and after a few visits and another year of harassing a consultant I was put on cholestagel 625mg (colesevelam) which changed my life!! Unfortunately serious intestinal damage had been done which still causes problems with users, prolapses, blood and mucus but the chronic diaherra is cured!"

• Sande
• August 22, 2015

"I had my gall bladder out in 2000. Then started the dreaded diarrhea! I would be getting ready to leave for work and a simple cough or sneeze would send me running for the the shower because I had accidentally leaked. I got to the point I couldn't take it anymore! It was truly ruining my life I had seriously considered something I won't mention here because my life was ruined with a cough or sneeze or lifting an object I was at my end. I started doing research on my own and found Welchol. I mentioned it to my Dr. On my next visit and she prescribed it. I've never been happier in my life!!!!! It helped a lot I had insurance then but unfortunately I haven't had insurance in 3 years so honestly I have to choose food or liquid poo!"

• Cacao...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2021

"I had chronic diarrhea starting unexpectedly over 2 years ago. GI and Internists said “live with it!” Finally went to my hometown doc who ordered every test known with nothing found (thank you, Lord!). Took trial doses of zen pep and endocort with no stopping diarrhea. Finally he ordered welchol, 6 a day, helped some. Ran into my retired druggist and shared all this with him. He said, “Try taking Metamucil - it builds bulk in your stool.” HALLELUJAH!!!! This works. Regular every day unless I eat something greasy. I’m taking Metamucil Capsules, 5 each time I take 3 generic welchol. Generic Metamucil ok too. It’s been a miracle for me! Druggists are encyclopedias of info. I share the frustration of all posts. Try this combo. Hope it works as well for you."

• Bird
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 4, 2022

"I have been taking Welchol for bile acid diarrhea for almost 15 months. My BAD is due to a long term blood cancer drug treatment (Revlimid) which affects the intestinal lining. At first it worked amazingly, then after about 4 months I started having trouble again. Reading reports on Drugs.com helped me to adjust my diet and increase my dosage which almost solved my problem. I now take two 625 pills, twice daily and it seems to mostly work. I still have loose stools about once a week, but it is easily handled. When that happens, I also take Immodium with my doctor's ok. I have had no other side effects from the Welchol. Smaller meals, rather than larger meals, seems to help me. After some online research, I also found that keeping my daily fat intake to less than 40 grams is key to success. I cook mostly with whole, unprocessed foods so it is easy to focus on lower fat ingredients. I also rarely eat red meat, mostly chicken and fish. No fried foods! Thank you Drugs.com."

• MsLan...
• April 24, 2017

"I had my gullbladder removed in 2004, resulting in always needing to know where a potty was at all times. After several Dr & 12 yrs of getting sick. I had a colonoscopy & endoscopy done where is came back normal to the naked eye but the biopsy didn't. It showed Mastocytosis (masked cell disease). Was put in Welchol before my procedure & it was like a miracle pill, after finding out what I had they changed me to Zertek & Zantak within three days I was back to getting sick. So back to Welchol I go & prob will never try anything else agian. Happy to finally not worry about when to eat & where the bathrooms are. Life is going to get better!"