Welchol (generic: colesevalam) is a prescription medication used to treat elevated cholesterol alone or in combination with other drugs.  Welchol may also be used to treat type II diabetes. Welchol belongs to group of drugs called bile acid sequetrants which reduce cholesterol levels by binding bile acids that are then removed from your body.

The medication comes in both a tablet and packets for oral suspension that are taken by mouth either once or twice a day based on your doctor’s instructions with a meal and a liquid.

Common side effects of Welchol are gas, constipation, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.