Potential side effects of Welchol and strategies for dealing with them
News Article: Common Side Effects and Precautions When Taking Welchol
Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant, is a popular medication used to lower LDL cholesterol and improve glycemic control in diabetes. The most frequent side effect reported in both adults and children is constipation[1]. Other less common gastrointestinal side effects may include bloating, flatulence, and nausea.
As a bile acid sequestrant, Welchol works by binding to bile acids in the digestive system, which can lead to changes in the body's absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, and K. This can result in vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin K deficiency. If you have an increased risk of developing a vitamin K deficiency or are currently deficient, it's crucial to inform your doctor [2].
In addition to constipation, other side effects may include indigestion, weakness, muscle pain, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms or feel nauseous, it's advisable to consult your doctor, who may recommend ways to decrease these side effects [3].
It's essential to maintain adequate hydration and dietary fiber during Welchol treatment to help mitigate the risk of constipation. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other medications to help alleviate this side effect.
Welchol is available in oral tablet and powder forms and is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Welchol to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adults who have high cholesterol and to manage glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The FDA has also approved its use for children ages 10 to 17 years old with a genetic condition called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [4].
It's possible for other medications you take along with Welchol to cause muscle pain. If you notice muscle pain during your treatment, inform your doctor, who can determine what may be causing your symptoms [5].
In rare cases, Welchol may cause serious side effects such as high triglyceride levels, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, vitamin deficiency, and allergic reactions. For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away [6].
Symptoms of vitamin deficiency may include bleeding or bruising easier than usual, nosebleeds, fatigue, weakness, hair loss, joint pain, and an increased risk of this side effect if taking Coumadin (warfarin), a blood thinner, or having any malabsorption syndromes. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately [7].
In clinical trials, children experienced headache, vomiting, the common cold, and increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase more commonly than adults [8].
In conclusion, while Welchol is an effective medication for managing cholesterol and diabetes, it's important to be aware of its common side effects and precautions. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns during your treatment.
- Given the potential interaction between Welchol and Coumadin (warfarin), individuals with vitamin K deficiencies or neurological disorders should be cautious when taking this medication due to the increased risk of bleeding.
- Science suggests CBD, a compound found in marijuana, may have potential benefits in managing chronic diseases, and its effects on hypertension and neurological disorders are currently under investigation in medical-health studies.
- For deciders considering Welchol for its cholesterol-lowering and diabetes-management properties, monitoring for side effects such as constipation, indigestion, muscle pain, and nausea is advisable.
- When it comes to health-and-wellness choices for managing chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, consulting a medical professional for recommendations on medications such as Welchol and supplements like CBD is essential, considering the potential side effects and interactions with other medical-conditions and medications.
