Colesevelam and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Laz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I've been on colesevelam 625 mg for two months now. I take 6 a day along with 6 loperamide and 6 codeine. I have some good days, but mostly bad days. I don't go out, I can't work, I don't talk to my friends anymore. Diarrhea has ruined my life. I'm 30 and I have suffered with this since I was 20. I honestly don't know what to do anymore. I have been tested for everything, and the tests always come back clear, which is so frustrating. If I won the lottery, I would give every penny away if someone could find a cure for me. I want my life back. I feel so alone. It would be so nice just to chat to someone who is going through the same thing as me."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Colesevelam for Diarrhea, Chronic "I had diarrhea for a year and a half following gallbladder removal. I am so grateful to be able to eat without running to the bathroom within ten minutes. The day after I began taking Welchol, I won a duathlon, probably because I didn't need to use the restroom and I ate a decent breakfast. Thanks for giving me my life back!"

• 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
• 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."

• 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!!!!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Gre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 23, 2024

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I've been on these tablets, 2 a day, morning and evening meal, like a lot more. Spent my life in toilets, hardly get on holiday, ruined my life with diarrhea. At last, I feel like my life has changed after 40 years for someone, a doctor, to eventually diagnose me. Yes, I get a bit constipated, but better than running to the toilet 8/10 times a day. I wore out."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 18, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Like everyone else after gallbladder removal, I had awful daily diarrhea. Colesevelam sure made my life bearable, but now my insurance says it's no longer in the formulary. What to do now? Any suggestions? Please, I am very worried."

• far...
• October 29, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had my gallbladder removed, and after that, I started having diarrhea constantly and was afraid to go on any kind of long car ride. I had to scope out the bathroom everywhere I went, I was so miserable. This drug colesevelam is wonderful, it changed my life. Now I go to the bathroom once a day...and I only take one pill every morning."

• GFg...
• 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 it's 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 it's working well for those I've read about on here though."

• GFg...
• February 25, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "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. The doctor 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, even 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?"

• San...
• August 22, 2015

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had my gallbladder 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 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 doctor 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!"

• Fir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 15, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I take a lower dose than prescribed for high cholesterol. I also have had problems with diarrhea since the gallbladder and Nissan procedure. This has given me my life back, taking two tablets once a day in the morning has solved my post-gallbladder removal diarrhea."

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

For Diarrhea, Chronic "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."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 5, 2019

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I have had IBS my whole life with hemorrhoids. I had prostate radiation proton three years ago and bleed all the time, only a small amount at a time. I have had 7 bandings for hemorrhoids. I have been taking Welchol for diarrhea once twice daily, and it is working well for one year. My normal pattern is two days of no BMs and then the third day I have three normal BMs and then 2 BMs of diarrhea. Don't know what to do. Any help. Is this normal with Welchol?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 10, 2017

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I have Crohn's disease and had my second bowel resection over a year ago. Experienced severe diarrhea and gas after every meal, no matter what I ate. Was prescribed Welchol -- 2 per day. I take it mid-day right before lunch, and it gets rid of all of the symptoms until the next day. If I ever miss a day, I'm back to square one. Nothing else seems to work for me, but this is a godsend."

• ste...
• August 26, 2014

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I had my appendix removed, along with some bowel, some large and small intestines, and an ovary (due to infection... I was full of it... another story). After 2 months of explosive diarrhea, I too was given LODALIS (the Canadian version of Colesevelam). I only take 1 a day, but 2 if I go on road trips, and I really don't eat because I'm afraid I will have to go. But after reading these stories, I will eat again. Thanks."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "To retired grandma.. I started chronic diarrhea after gallbladder removal. Doc said I must have had IBS. Emotional stress really kicks it in. Things were finally starting to get better.. or at least livable. Then I had a colonoscopy and the “prep” did me in. Started it at 4 pm per instructions and was still in the bathroom at 4:30 am! After all my hard work on my gut, the prep wiped it all out. That was in June 2020, and I was worse than ever. And instead of just diarrhea in the morning, it could be all day long. After a bit of trial and error, I found 2 probiotics that were helping a lot- Jarro-Dophilus EPS 8 strains 25 billion per cap and Saccharomyces Boulardii + MOS. I also eat the highest fiber cereal I can find. Just started Colesevelam a few days ago, and it seems to be helping. I’m still taking the probiotics and eating Kashi cereal. Hope this helps. My rating is a 7 only because it’s too soon to tell how it’s actually doing."

• Mag...
• March 31, 2021

For Diarrhea, Chronic "Been on Colesevelam for over a year. Was helping diarrhea, but recently I increased from 2 tablets to 3 since I am getting bouts of diarrhea again. I am not sure why this is happening. I need to see my doctor and hope he has an answer for me."

• gra...
• July 22, 2016

For Diarrhea, Chronic "In 2001, I had my gallbladder removed. And since then, I have had chronic diarrhea. I would spend 12 hours with explosive diarrhea. It made my life miserable. I didn't know when I could leave the house. The delayed gastric emptying and the chronic diarrhea prompted me to start taking the drug Welchol. And I feel so good. I have had to change my eating habits. Foods that I have loved, I cannot eat anymore. I can accept that, so I am no longer miserable. Maybe I can start exercising and lose weight."