Colesevelam and Heartburn: What Users Say

• bob...
• January 10, 2020

For Diarrhea, Chronic "I am 11 years post gallbladder removal. Spent the first 6 months after surgery running to bathrooms. Made leaving the house or office impossible. If you're reading this, you probably know. The doctor prescribed Welchol/colesevelam - it literally changed my life. Here is what I have learned - hope it helps: 1) You MUST take this with real food (a significant meal) or it is much less effective. 2) Don't take it before you lay down - really bad heartburn. 3) Play with the dosage until you get the right amount and frequency - I take two with breakfast and I'm good. When I travel or expect to not eat on a regular schedule, I usually add 1 tablet with each meal plus 2 with the first meal of the day. 4) This is expensive - even with insurance - using coupon sites can sometimes get you a good deal. 5) I suggest you get the maximum dosage on your prescription (3 tablets, 2X daily) - this allows you to get the most bang for your buck if you find a good price. I can't imagine what it would be like without this medication."

• Sla...
• June 21, 2013

Colesevelam for High Cholesterol "51 yr 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 8 oz 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... The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is ease of use."

• SUZ...
• August 31, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Welchol for a month. Out of the 3 years I have been testing my blood sugar, my fasting blood sugar has been the highest in the morning (I follow a strict low-carb diet). I have normal numbers during the day, but when I wake up, it is anywhere from 10 to 30 points higher. Eating different bedtime snacks, eliminating bedtime snacks, changing Metformin time; nothing made any difference. Since Welchol, my fasting is almost always the same as when I go to bed. The only negative side effect is heartburn if not taken with food. I prefer it before bed to lower my fasting, but I might have to change it to dinner time. Hopefully, it will still help my morning fasting blood sugar. It's too soon to recheck my cholesterol."