Colesevelam User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• JDa...
• 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 having chronic bouts of diarrhea every time I eat or drink something. Are there others out there with similar experiences?"

• BCa...
• 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-home festivities, much to my active family's chagrin. Then my doctor 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, nothing's failproof. 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 a time."

• NPa...
• April 21, 2012

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."

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2024

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Had diarrhea for over 23 years, was housebound. Pooping every 10-15 minutes. Told it was IBS. Tried low-residue diet, FODMAP diet, gluten-free, dairy-free diets. Found I couldn't lose weight either. Went on gluten-free, dairy-free, low-fat diets for 6 years. Admitted to the hospital as suicidal. Due to dieting and wearing nappies and not leaving the house for so many years. I insisted something be done to investigate the problem. Was referred to Gastroenterology. They did a scan. Prescribed colesevelam. It's a life changer. I go to the loo 1-3 times a day. Not got urgency, feel like I empty fully when I go. I'm not constantly feeling like I need a poop. I'm going out. Getting exercise regularly. Got hope in my life. Thanks for colesevelam, it's a miracle drug. I recommend this to anyone with chronic diarrhea."

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

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."

• Tri...
• 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 an NP who let me try colesevelam, and it is a miracle drug. I don't know what caused the diarrhea (I have my gallbladder) 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 $."

• Ang...
• 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-1980s, 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 it 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."

• 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!"

• 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 Welchol 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 gallbladder removed and are having GI problems, please talk with your doctor about this medication."

• 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."

• Won...
• 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 minutes at a time just reading or watching YouTube. 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 20s 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
• September 9, 2008

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."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2010

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 a water bottle with 3/4 filled with water, shake it, and have it with my dinner."

• Sus...
• 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 though I was 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."

• Med...
• November 18, 2015

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I have had diarrhea for the past 25 years. I also had my gallbladder removed in 2006, was running on 12% for who knows how long. Quality of life socially was impaired by needing a bathroom without 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 Welchol. 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."

• aec...
• March 21, 2011

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. The doctor suggested Miralax, which did the trick with the bloating."

• Dsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "After having my gallbladder taken out, I was told to be careful what I ate. No fatty foods, etc., and I would get back to normal in a couple of months. After an 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 my evening meal. After 2 weeks, I have my life back."

• Nit...
• July 13, 2014

Colesevelam for Hyperlipoproteinemia Type IIa, Elevated LDL "My cardio wants my LDL lower than the 88 it is now, because of my having 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 bowel movements. I used to go once at breakfast, then about an hour later had another bowel motion, but more violent and loose. I would stay in the restaurant until the 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-a-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."

• Yay...
• November 22, 2014

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had my gallbladder removed in 2007. Afterwards, life was miserable! My GI doctor had no real explanation, and after a few tests, put me on cholestyramine powder, and life was good. But after 10 years, and I am someone who travels frequently and is also a volunteer firefighter, it was bothersome to have a juice and bottle to mix the powder every morning. Also, the meds didn't always provide 24-hour relief if I wasn't able to take the dose at the same time every day. I finally checked on Welchol, and although pricey, after just 2 weeks and 1 pill daily, it's almost like a miracle pill!! I can now say life is great!! No breakthrough random episodes of diarrhea!!! I'm now more relaxed to travel and enjoy not worrying if I'll have an accident!!!!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 18, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had horrible cramping, bloating, and diarrhea following my gallbladder removal for 3 years. A doctor suggested trying one Lodalis (Colesevelam) 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!"

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

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Changed my life. I have Crohn's and had 2 bowel resections, decades of diarrhea, 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."

• mar...
• June 15, 2010

Colesevelam for High Cholesterol "I suffered severe diarrhea for many months after gallbladder removal (due to lipid 'dumping'), until my doctor prescribed a similar medicine that worked great, but it was a powder which was inconvenient, so he switched me to Welchol, which also worked great. The prescription was for 6 pills a day, but I never needed that many unless I ate something ridiculously greasy and fatty for every meal, say, fried chicken with french fries and a shake. Otherwise, I just took 1 pill before lunch and 1 before dinner. None needed with breakfast because I just had fruit and skim milk. After about 8 years, my body adjusted to 'no gallbladder,' but this medicine helped me be able to keep a job and get out of the house away from the bathroom until then."

• Pja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2018

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Welchol works very well on the diarrhea I experienced after having my gallbladder removed. I take two at breakfast and have no fears of diarrhea anymore. I like the fact they do not work through my kidneys or liver, but through 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!!"

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

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Had my gallbladder 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 doctor 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 back 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."