You should not take  Welchol if you have diabetic ketoacidosis, very high triglycerides, a history of bowel obstruction, or a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Welchol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
very high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood;
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment);
a history of bowel obstruction; or
a history of pancreatitis caused by high triglycerides.
Welchol may increase your triglycerides, which can increase your risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure your triglycerides are not too high for you to safely use this medicine.
Welchol is not for use in girls who have not yet started having menstrual periods.
Welchol should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
trouble swallowing;
blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
slow digestion;
surgery on your stomach or intestines; or
a vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.
The powder form of colesevelam may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
