Welchol tablet
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sheng Shi, M.D. [2]
For information about colesevelam, click here.
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Black Box Warning
FDA Package Insert for Welchol tablet contains no information regarding Black Box Warning.
Overview
Welchol tablet is a anti-anginal, antiarrhythmic, beta-adrenergic blocker drug that is FDA approved for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, angina, and hypertension. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include bradyarrhythmia, heart block, heart failure, hypotension, pruritus, rash, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, depression, dyspnea, and wheezing.
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Primary Hyperlipidemia
- Dosing Information
- one 3.75 gram packet once daily or one 1.875 gram packet twice daily
Welchol is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIa) as monotherapy or in combination with an hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin).
Welchol is indicated as monotherapy or in combination with a statin to reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia if after an adequate trial of diet therapy the following findings are present:
a. LDL-C remains ≥ 190 mg/dL or
b. LDL-C remains ≥ 160 mg/dL and
- there is a positive family history of premature cardiovascular disease or
- two or more other CVD risk factors are present in the pediatric patient.
Lipid-altering agents should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol when response to diet and non-pharmacological interventions alone has been inadequate [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].
In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk equivalents such as diabetes mellitus, LDL-C treatment goals are < 100 mg/dL. An LDL-C goal of < 70 mg/dL is a therapeutic option on the basis of recent trial evidence. If LDL-C is at goal but the serum triglyceride (TG) value is > 200 mg/dL, then non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (total cholesterol [TC] minus high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) becomes a secondary target of therapy. The goal for non-HDL-C in persons with high serum TG is set at 30 mg/dL higher than that for LDL-C.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Dosing Information
- 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily
Welchol is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [See Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Diabetes mellitus is considered a CHD risk equivalent. In addition to glycemic control, intensive lipid control is warranted [See Indications and Usage (1.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Important Limitations of Use
- Welchol should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Welchol has not been studied in type 2 diabetes in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor and has not been extensively studied in combination with thiazolidinediones.
- Welchol has not been studied in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Welchol has not been studied in Fredrickson Type I, III, IV, and V dyslipidemias.
- Welchol has not been studied in children younger than 10 years of age or in pre-menarchal girls.[1]
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
Contraindications
Welchol is contraindicated in patients with
- A history of bowel obstruction [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Serum TG concentrations >500 mg/dL [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- A history of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis
Warnings
Warnings
General
The effect of Welchol on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.
Serum Triglycerides (TG)
Welchol, like other bile acid sequestrants, can increase serum TG concentrations.
Welchol had small effects on serum TG (median increase 5% compared to placebo) in trials of patients with primary hyperlipidemia (see Adverse Reactions and Clinical Studies)
In clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes, greater increases in TG levels occurred when Welchol was used in combination with sulfonylureas (median increase 18% compared to placebo in combination with sulfonylureas) and when Welchol was used as monotherapy (median increase 9.7% compared to placebo) and in combination with insulin (median increase 22% compared to placebo in combination with insulin) [See Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2)][See Contraindications(4)][See Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Lipid parameters, including TG levels and non-HDL-C, should be obtained before starting Welchol and periodically thereafter. Welchol should be discontinued if TG levels exceed 500 mg/dL or if the patient develops hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis. Hypertriglyceridemia of sufficient severity can cause acute pancreatitis. The long-term effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the risk of coronary artery disease is uncertain. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the effect of Welchol on LDL-C levels may be attenuated by Welchol’s effects on TG levels and a smaller reduction in non-HDL-C compared to the reduction in LDL-C. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with TG levels greater than 300 mg/dL. Because most patients in the Welchol clinical trials had baseline TG <300 mg/dL, it is unknown whether patients with more uncontrolled baseline hypertriglyceridemia would have greater increases in serum TG levels with Welchol. In addition, the use of Welchol is contraindicated in patients with TG levels >500 mg/dL
Vitamin K or Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiencies Precautions
Bile acid sequestrants may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. No specific clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of Welchol on the absorption of co-administered dietary or supplemental vitamin therapy. In non-clinical safety studies, rats administered colesevelam hydrochloride at doses greater than 30-fold the projected human clinical dose experienced hemorrhage from vitamin K deficiency. Patients on oral vitamin supplementation should take their vitamins at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with a susceptibility to deficiencies of vitamin K (e.g., patients on warfarin, patients with malabsorption syndromes) or other fat-soluble vitamins.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Because of its constipating effects, Welchol is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, and in those who have had major gastrointestinal tract surgery and who may be at risk for bowel obstruction. Because of the tablet size, Welchol Tablets can cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders. To avoid esophageal distress, Welchol for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix Welchol for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting.
Drug Interactions
Welchol reduces gastrointestinal absorption of some drugs. Drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Alternatively, the physician should monitor drug levels of the co-administered drug [See Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Phenylketonurics
Welchol for Oral Suspension contains 13.5 mg phenylalanine per 1.875 gram packet and 27 mg phenylalanine per 3.75 gram packet [See Description (11)].
Macrovascular Outcomes
There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular disease risk reduction with Welchol or any other antidiabetic drugs.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Studies Experience
Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In the lipid-lowering trials, 807 adult patients received at least one dose of Welchol (total exposure 199 patient-years). In the add-on combination type 2 diabetes trials, 566 patients received at least one dose of Welchol (total exposure 209 patient-years). In the monotherapy type 2 diabetes trial, 175 patients received at least one dose of Welchol and had a post baseline follow up (total exposure 69 patient-years).
In clinical trials for the reduction of LDL-C, 68% of patients receiving Welchol vs. 64% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse reaction. In add-on combination clinical trials of type 2 diabetes, 60% of patients receiving Welchol vs. 56% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse reaction. In monotherapy clinical trial for type 2 diabetes, 52% of patients receiving Welchol vs. 45% of patients receiving placebo reported an adverse reaction.
Primary Hyperlipidemia: In 7 double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials, 807 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (age range 18-86 years, 50% women, 90% Caucasians, 7% Blacks, 2% Hispanics, 1% Asians) and elevated LDL-C were treated with Welchol 1.5 g/day to 4.5 g/day from 4 to 24 weeks.
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Pediatric Patients 10 to 17 Years of Age: In an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study boys and post menarchal girls, 10 to 17 years of age, with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) (n=192), were treated with Welchol tablets (1.9-3.8 g, daily) or placebo tablets [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].
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The reported adverse reactions during the additional 18-week open-label treatment period with Welchol 3.8 g per day were similar to those during the double-blind period and included headache (7.6%), nasopharyngitis (5.4%), upper respiratory tract infection (4.9%), influenza (3.8%), and nausea (3.8%) [See Clinical Studies(14.1)].
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The safety of Welchol in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in 4 add-on combination and 1 monotherapy double-blind, 12-26 week, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The add-on combination trials involved 1128 patients (566 patients on Welchol; 562 patients on placebo) with inadequate glycemic control on metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin when these agents were used alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents. Upon completion of the add-on combination trials, 492 patients entered a 52-week open-label uncontrolled extension study during which all patients received Welchol 3.8 g/day while continuing background treatment with metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin alone or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents. The monotherapy trial involved 357 patients (176 Welchol and 181 placebo) who were on no prior anti-diabetes medication within 3 months of the study.
A total of 6.7% of Welchol-treated patients and 3.2% of placebo-treated patients were discontinued from the add-on combination diabetes trials due to adverse reactions. This difference was driven mostly by gastrointestinal adverse reactions such as abdominal pain and constipation. In the monotherapy diabetes trial, a total of 4.6% of Welchol-treated patients and 4.7% of placebo-treated patients were discontinued from the trial due to adverse reactions.
One patient in the pivotal trials discontinued due to body rash and mouth blistering that occurred after the first dose of Welchol, which may represent a hypersensitivity reaction to Welchol.
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Hypertriglyceridemia: Patients with fasting serum TG levels above 500 mg/dL were excluded from the diabetes clinical trials. In the phase 3 diabetes trials, 637 (63%) patients had baseline fasting serum TG levels less than 200 mg/dL, 261 (25%) had baseline fasting serum TG levels between 200 and 300 mg/dL, 111 (11%) had baseline fasting serum TG levels between 300 and 500 mg/dL, and 9 (1%) had fasting serum TG levels greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL. The median baseline fasting TG concentration for the study population was 172 mg/dL; the median post-treatment fasting TG was 195 mg/dL in the Welchol group and 177 mg/dL in the placebo group. Welchol therapy resulted in a median placebo-corrected increase in serum TG of 5% (p=0.22), 22% (p<0.001), and 18% (p<0.001) when added to metformin, insulin and sulfonylureas, respectively [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. In comparison, Welchol resulted in a median increase in serum TG of 5% compared to placebo (p=0.42) in a 24-week monotherapy lipid-lowering trial [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Treatment-emergent fasting TG concentrations ≥500 mg/dL occurred in 4.1% of Welchol-treated patients compared to 2.0% of placebo-treated patients. Among these patients, the TG concentrations with Welchol (median 604 mg/dL; interquartile range 538-712 mg/dL) were similar to that observed with placebo (median 644 mg/dL; interquartile range 574-724 mg/dL). Two (0.4%) patients on Welchol and 2 (0.4%) patients on placebo developed TG elevations ≥1000 mg/dL. In all Welchol clinical trials, including studies in patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with primary hyperlipidemia, there were no reported cases of acute pancreatitis associated with hypertriglyceridemia. It is unknown whether patients with more uncontrolled, baseline hypertriglyceridemia would have greater increases in serum TG levels with Welchol [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Cardiovascular adverse events: During the diabetes clinical trials, the incidence of patients with treatment-emergent serious adverse events involving the cardiovascular system was 3% (17/566) in the Welchol group and 2% (10/562) in the placebo group. These overall rates included disparate events (e.g., myocardial infarction, aortic stenosis, and bradycardia); therefore, the significance of this imbalance is unknown.
Hypoglycemia: Adverse events of hypoglycemia were reported based on the clinical judgment of the blinded investigators and did not require confirmation with fingerstick glucose testing. The overall reported incidence of hypoglycemia was 3.0% in patients treated with Welchol and 2.3% in patients treated with placebo. No Welchol treated patients developed severe hypoglycemia.
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hypertriglyceridemia: Patients with fasting serum TG levels above 500 mg/dL were excluded from the diabetes clinical trials. In the add-on combination diabetes trials, 637 (63%) patients had baseline fasting serum TG levels less than 200 mg/dL, 261 (25%) had baseline fasting serum TG levels between 200 and 300 mg/dL, 111 (11%) had baseline fasting serum TG levels between 300 and 500 mg/dL, and 9 (1%) had fasting serum TG levels greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL. The median baseline fasting TG concentration for the study population was 172 mg/dL; the median post-treatment fasting TG was 195 mg/dL in the Welchol group and 177 mg/dL in the placebo group. Welchol therapy resulted in a median placebo-corrected increase in serum TG of 5% (p=0.22), 22% (p<0.001), and 18% (p<0.001) when added to metformin, insulin and sulfonylureas, respectively [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. In the monotherapy diabetes trial, the distribution of baseline fasting serum TG levels was similar to that from the add-on combination trials. The median baseline fasting TG for the monotherapy study population was 167 mg/dL; the median post- treatment fasting TG concentration was 182mg/dL in the Welchol group and 173mg/dL in the placebo group. Welchol treatment resulted in a median placebo-corrected increase in serum TG of 9.7% (p=0.03). In comparison, Welchol resulted in a median increase in serum TG of 5% compared to placebo (p=0.42) in a 24-week monotherapy lipid-lowering trial [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Treatment-emergent fasting TG concentrations ≥500 mg/dL occurred in 4.1% of Welchol-treated patients compared to 2.0% of placebo-treated patients in the add-on combination diabetes trials. Among these patients, the TG concentrations with Welchol (median 604 mg/dL; interquartile range 538-712 mg/dL) were similar to that observed with placebo (median 644 mg/dL; interquartile range 574-724 mg/dL). Two (0.4%) patients on Welchol and 2 (0.4%) patients on placebo developed TG elevations ≥1000 mg/dL. In the monotherapy diabetes trial, a total of 8 (4.4%) patients in the placebo group and 9 (5.1%) patients in the Welchol group had a TG level <500 mg/dL at baseline and a treatment-emergent TG ≥500 mg/dL. Among these patients, the TG concentrations with Welchol (median 594 mg/dL) were similar to that observed with placebo (median 589 mg/dL). Four (2.4%) patients on Welchol and 1 (0.6%) patient on placebo developed TG elevation ≥1000 mg/dL. In all Welchol clinical trials, including studies in patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with primary hyperlipidemia, there were no reported cases of acute pancreatitis associated with hypertriglyceridemia. It is unknown whether patients with more uncontrolled, baseline hypertriglyceridemia would have greater increases in serum TG levels with Welchol [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Cardiovascular adverse events: During the add-on combination diabetes clinical trials, the incidence of patients with treatment-emergent serious adverse events involving the cardiovascular system was 3% (17/566) in the Welchol group and 2% (10/562) in the placebo group. These overall rates included disparate events (e.g., myocardial infarction, aortic stenosis, and bradycardia); therefore, the significance of this imbalance is unknown. In the monotherapy diabetes trial, one myocardial infarction and one case of unstable angina occurred in the Welchol group, and one case of hypotension in the placebo group.
The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Welchol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Drug Interactions
Welchol reduces gastrointestinal absorption of some drugs. Drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Alternatively, the physician should monitor drug levels of the co-administered drug [See Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of colesevelam use in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies in rats and rabbits revealed no evidence of fetal harm. Requirements for vitamins and other nutrients are increased in pregnancy. However, the effect of colesevelam on the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins has not been studied in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
In animal reproduction studies, colesevelam revealed no evidence of fetal harm when administered to rats and rabbits at doses 50 and 17 times the maximum human dose, respectively. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Colesevelam hydrochloride is not expected to be excreted in human milk because colesevelam hydrochloride is not absorbed systemically from the gastrointestinal tract.
The safety and effectiveness of Welchol as monotherapy or in combination with a statin were evaluated in children, 10 to 17 years of age with heFH [See Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The adverse reaction profile was similar to that of patients treated with placebo. In this limited controlled study, there were no significant effects on growth, sexual maturation, fat-soluble vitamin levels or clotting factors in the adolescent boys or girls relative to placebo [See Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Due to tablet size, Welchol for Oral Suspension is recommended for use in the pediatric population. Dose adjustments are not required when Welchol is administered to children 10 to 17 years of age.
Welchol has not been studied in children younger than 10 years of age or in pre-menarchal girls.
Primary Hyperlipidemia: Of the 1350 patients enrolled in the Hyperlipidemia clinical studies, 349 (26%) were ≥65 years old, and 58 (4%) were ≥75 years old. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Of the 1128 patients enrolled in the four add-on combination diabetes studies, 696 (62%) had mild renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance [CrCl] 50-<80 mL/min), 53 (5%) had moderate renal insufficiency (CrCl 30-<50 mL/min), and none had severe renal insufficiency (CrCl <30 mL/min), as estimated from baseline serum creatinine using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients with CrCl <50 mL/min (n=53) and those with a CrCl≥50 mL/min (n=1075). Of the 357 patients enrolled in the monotherapy diabetes trial, only 3 patients had CrCl <50 mL/min.
No special considerations or dosage adjustments are recommended when Welchol is administered to patients with hepatic impairment.
Routes and Preparations
- Route:Oral
Prepare
Primary Hyperlipidemia
To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. Welchol for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, Welchol for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Due to tablet size, it is recommended that any patient who has difficulty swallowing tablets use Welchol for Oral Suspension.
Welchol can be dosed at the same time as a statin or the two drugs can be dosed apart [See Clinical Studies (14.1)].
After initiation of Welchol, lipid levels should be analyzed within 4 to 6 weeks.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. Welchol for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, Welchol for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form.
IV Compatibility
Overdosage
Doses of Welchol in excess of 4.5 g/day have not been tested. Because Welchol is not absorbed, the risk of systemic toxicity is low. However, excessive doses of Welchol may cause more severe local gastrointestinal effects (e.g., constipation) than recommended doses.
Pharmacology
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Welchol tablet
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| ? | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | C10 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | ? |
| Mol. mass | ? |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | N/A |
| Metabolism | Colesevelam is not absorbed and not metabolised. |
| Half life | N/A (non-systemic drug) |
| Excretion | By intestines only, colesevelam is non-systemic. |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. |
B |
| Legal status |
Template:Unicode Prescription only |
| Routes | Oral |
Primary Hyperlipidemia: Colesevelam hydrochloride, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Welchol, is a non-absorbed, lipid-lowering polymer that binds bile acids in the intestine, impeding their reabsorption. As the bile acid pool becomes depleted, the hepatic enzyme, cholesterol 7-α-hydroxylase, is upregulated, which increases the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids. This causes an increased demand for cholesterol in the liver cells, resulting in the dual effect of increasing transcription and activity of the cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, and increasing the number of hepatic LDL receptors. These compensatory effects result in increased clearance of LDL-C from the blood, resulting in decreased serum LDL-C levels. Serum TG levels may increase or remain unchanged.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The mechanism by which Welchol improves glycemic control is unknown.
A maximum therapeutic response to the lipid-lowering effects of Welchol was achieved within 2 weeks and was maintained during long-term therapy. In the diabetes clinical studies, a therapeutic response to Welchol, as reflected by a reduction in hemoglobin A1C (A1C), was initially noted following 4-6 weeks of treatment and reached maximal or near-maximal effect after 12-18 weeks of treatment.
Absorption: Colesevelam hydrochloride is a hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer that is not hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes and is not absorbed.
Distribution: Colesevelam hydrochloride is not absorbed, and therefore, its distribution is limited to the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism: Colesevelam hydrochloride is not metabolized systemically and does not interfere with systemic drug-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P-450.
Excretion: In 16 healthy volunteers, an average of 0.05% of administered radioactivity from a single 14C-labeled colesevelam hydrochloride dose was excreted in the urine.
Drug Interactions: Drug interactions between colesevelam and concomitantly administered drugs were screened through in vitro studies and confirmed in in vivo studies.In vitro studies demonstrated that cephalexin, metformin, and ciprofloxacin had negligible binding to colesevelam hydrochloride. Therefore, an in vivo pharmacokinetic interaction of Welchol with these drugs is unlikely. Welchol was found to have no significant effect on the bioavailability of aspirin, atenolol, digoxin, enalapril, fenofibrate, lovastatin, metoprolol,phenytoin,pioglitazone,quinidine,rosiglitazone, sitagliptin,valproic acid, and warfarin. The results of additional in vivo drug interactions of Welchol are presented in Table 6.
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a With verapamil, the dose of Welchol was 4.5 g
b Should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol [See Drug Interactions (7)].
c Patients receiving concomitant metformin ER and colesevelam should be monitored for clinical response as is usual for the use of anti-diabetes drugs [See Drug Interactions (7)].
d Cyclosporine levels should be monitored and, based on theoretical grounds, cyclosporine should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol [See Drug Interactions (7)].
* Oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol. N/A — Not Available
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis: A 104-week carcinogenicity study with colesevelam hydrochloride was conducted in CD-1 mice, at oral dietary doses up to 3 g/kg/day. This dose was approximately 50 times the maximum recommended human dose of 4.5 g/day, based on body weight, mg/kg. There were no significant drug-induced tumor findings in male or female mice. In a 104-week carcinogenicity study with colesevelam hydrochloride in Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of pancreatic acinar cell adenoma was seen in male rats at doses >1.2 g/kg/day (approximately 20 times the maximum human dose, based on body weight, mg/kg) (trend test only). A statistically significant increase in thyroid C-cell adenoma was seen in female rats at 2.4 g/kg/day (approximately 40 times the maximum human dose, based on body weight, mg/kg).
Mutagenesis: Colesevelam hydrochloride and 4 degradants present in the drug substance have been evaluated for mutagenicity in the Ames test and a mammalian chromosomal aberration test. The 4 degradants and an extract of the parent compound did not exhibit genetic toxicity in an in vitro bacterial mutagenesis assay in S.typhimurium and E. coli (Ames assay) with or without rat liver metabolic activation. An extract of the parent compound was positive in the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell chromosomal aberration assay in the presence of metabolic activation and negative in the absence of metabolic activation. The results of the CHO cell chromosomal aberration assay with 2 of the 4 degradants, decylamine HCl and aminohexyltrimethyl ammonium chloride HCl, were equivocal in the absence of metabolic activation and negative in the presence of metabolic activation. The other 2 degradants, didecylamine HCl and 6-decylamino-hexyltrimethyl ammonium chloride HCl, were negative in the presence and absence of metabolic activation.
Impairment of Fertility: Colesevelam hydrochloride did not impair fertility in rats at doses up to 3 g/kg/day (approximately 50 times the maximum human dose, based on body weight, mg/kg).
Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Reproductive Toxicology Studies Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 3 g/kg/day and 1 g/kg/day, respectively (approximately 50 and 17 times the maximum human dose, based on body weight, mg/kg) and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to colesevelam hydrochloride.
Clinical Studies
Primary hyperlipidemia
Welchol reduces TC, LDL-C, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), and non-HDL-C when administered alone or in combination with a statin in patients with primary hyperlipidemia.
Approximately 1600 patients were studied in 9 clinical trials with treatment durations ranging from 4 to 50 weeks. With the exception of one open-label, uncontrolled, long-term extension study, all studies were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. A maximum therapeutic response to Welchol was achieved within 2 weeks and was maintained during long-term therapy.
Monotherapy: In a study in patients with LDL-C between 130 mg/dL and 220 mg/dL (mean 158 mg/dL), Welchol was given for 24 weeks in divided doses with the morning and evening meals.
As shown in Table 7, the mean LDL-C reductions were 15% and 18% at the 3.8 g and 4.5 g doses. The respective mean TC reductions were 7% and 10%. The mean Apo B reductions were 12% in both treatment groups. Welchol at both doses increased HDL-C by 3%. Increases in TG of 9-10% were observed at both Welchol doses but the changes were not statistically different from placebo.
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In a study in 98 patients with LDL-C between 145 mg/dL and 250 mg/dL (mean 169 mg/dL), Welchol 3.8 g was given for 6 weeks as a single dose with breakfast, as a single dose with dinner, or as divided doses with breakfast and dinner. The mean LDL-C reductions were 18%, 15%, and 18% for the 3 dosing regimens, respectively. The reductions with these 3 regimens were not statistically different from one another. Combination Therapy: Co-administration of Welchol and a statin (atorvastatin, lovastatin, or simvastatin) in 3 clinical studies demonstrated an additive reduction of LDL-C. The mean baseline LDL-C was 184 mg/dL in the atorvastatin study (range 156-236 mg/dL), 171 mg/dL in the lovastatin study (range 115-247 mg/dL), and 188 mg/dL in the simvastatin study (range 148-352 mg/dL). As demonstrated in Table 8, Welchol doses of 2.3 g to 3.8 g resulted in an additional 8% to 16% reduction in LDL-C above that seen with the statin alone.
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In all 3 studies, the LDL-C reduction achieved with the combination of Welchol and any given dose of statin therapy was statistically superior to that achieved with Welchol or that dose of the statin alone. The LDL-C reduction with atorvastatin 80 mg was not statistically significantly different from the combination of Welchol 3.8 g and atorvastatin 10 mg.
The effect of Welchol when added to fenofibrate was assessed in 122 patients with mixed hyperlipidemia (Fredrickson Type IIb). Inclusion in the study required LDL-C ≥115 mg/dL and TG 150 mg/dL to 749 mg/dL. Patients were treated with 160 mg of fenofibrate during an 8-week open-label run-in period and then randomly assigned to receive fenofibrate 160 mg plus either Welchol 3.8 g or placebo for 6 weeks of double-blind treatment. The overall mean LDL-C at the start of randomized treatment was 144 mg/dL. The results of the study are summarized in Table 9.
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Pediatric Therapy: The safety and efficacy of Welchol in pediatric patients were evaluated in an 8-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study followed by an open-label phase, in 194 boys and postmenarchal girls 10-17 years of age (mean age 14.1 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH), taking a stable dose of an FDA-approved statin (with LDL-C >130 mg/dL) or naïve to lipid lowering therapy (with LDL-C >160 mg/dL). This study had 3 periods: a single-blind, placebo stabilization period; an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo controlled treatment period; and an 18-week, open-label treatment period. Forty-seven (24%) patients were taking statins and 147 (76%) patients were statin-naïve at screening. The mean baseline LDL-C at Day 1 was approximately 199 mg/dL.
During the double-blind treatment period, patients were assigned randomly to treatment: Welchol 3.8 g/day (n=64), Welchol 1.9 g/day (n=65), or placebo (n=65). In total, 186 patients completed the double-blind treatment period. After 8 weeks of treatment, Welchol 3.8 g/day significantly decreased plasma levels of LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC, and Apo B and significantly increased HDL-C. A moderate, non statistically significant increase in TG was observed versus placebo (Table 10).
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During the open-label treatment period patients were treated with Welchol 3.8 g/day. In total, 173 (89%) patients completed 26 weeks of treatment. Results at Week 26 were consistent with those at Week 8.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Welchol has been studied as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin. In these studies, Welchol and placebo were administered either as 3 tablets twice daily with lunch and dinner or as 6 tablets with dinner alone.
Monotherapy: The efficacy of Welchol 3.8 g/day as anti-diabetes monotherapy was evaluated in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 357 patients (176 Welchol and 181 placebo) with T2DM who were treatment-naïve or had not received antihyperglycemic medication within 3 months prior to the start of the study.
In this trial, the mean age was 52.2 years (range 24-81 years), 48.7% of patients were women, 70.9% were Caucasian, 15.7% were Black, 5.6% were Asian, 6.4% were American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 1.1% were other racial groups. Hispanic/Latino accounted for 46.5% of the enrolled patients. statin use at baseline was reported in 13% of the Welchol-treated patients and 16% of the placebo-treated patients.
Welchol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in A1C of 0.27% compared to placebo (Table 11).
The mean baseline LDL-C was 121 mg/dL in the monotherapy trial. Welchol treatment resulted in a placebo-corrected 11% reduction in LDL-C. Welchol treatment also reduced serum TC, ApoB, and non-HDL-C (Table 12). The mean change in body weight was -0.6 kg for Welchol and -0.7 kg for placebo treatment groups.
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Add-on combination Therapy: The efficacy of Welchol 3.8 g/day in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was evaluated in 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled add-on therapy trials involving a total of 1018 patients with baseline A1C 7.5-9.5%. Patients were enrolled and maintained on their pre-existing, stable, background anti-diabetic regimen.
In these studies, the overall mean age was 57 years (range 24-81 years), 47% were women, and 59% of the patients were Caucasian, 23% were Hispanic, 14% were Black, 3% were Asian, and 1% were of other racial groups. statin use at baseline was reported in 42% of the Welchol-treated patients and 50% of the placebo-treated patients.
In all 3 pivotal add-on therapy trials, treatment with Welchol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in A1C of 0.5% compared to placebo. Similar placebo-corrected reductions in A1C occurred in patients who received Welchol in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin monotherapy or combinations of these therapies with other anti-diabetic agents. In the metformin and sulfonylurea trials, treatment with Welchol also resulted in statistically significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 14 mg/dL compared to placebo.
Welchol had consistent effects on A1C across subgroups of age, gender, race, body mass index, and baseline A1C. Welchol’s effects on A1C were also similar for the two dosing regimens (3 tablets with lunch and with dinner or 6 tablets with dinner alone).
The mean baseline LDL-C was 104 mg/dL in the metformin study (range 32-214 mg/dL), 106 mg/dL in the sulfonylurea study (range 41-264 mg/dL), and 102 mg/dL in the insulin study (range 35-204 mg/dL). In these trials, Welchol treatment was associated with a 12% to 16% reduction in LDL-C levels. The percentage decreases in LDL-C were of similar magnitude to those observed in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Welchol treatment was associated with statistically significant increases in TG levels in the studies of patients on insulin and patients on a sulfonylurea, but not in the study of patients on metformin. The clinical significance of these increases is unknown. Welchol is contraindicated in patients with TG levels > 500 mg/dL [See Contraindications (4)] and periodic monitoring of lipid parameters including TG and non-HDL-C levels is recommended [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Body weight did not significantly increase from baseline with Welchol therapy, compared with placebo, in any of the 3 pivotal clinical studies.
Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin: Welchol 3.8 g/day or placebo was added to background anti-diabetic therapy in a 26-week trial of 316 patients already receiving treatment with metformin alone (N=159) or metformin in combination with other oral agents (N=157). A total of 60% of these patients were receiving ≥1,500 mg/day of metformin. In combination with metformin, Welchol resulted in statistically significant placebo-corrected reductions in A1C and FPG (Table 13). Welchol also reduced TC, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C (Table 14). The mean percent change in serum LDL-C levels with Welchol compared to placebo was -16% among statin users and statin non-users; the median percent change in serum TG levels with Welchol compared to placebo was -2% among statin users and 10% among statin non-users. The mean change in body weight was -0.5 kg for Welchol and -0.3 kg for placebo.
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'Add-on Combination Therapy with sulfonylurea: Welchol 3.8 g/day or placebo was added to background anti-diabetic therapy in a 26-week trial of 460 patients already treated with sulfonylurea alone (N=156) or sulfonylurea in combination with other oral agents (N=304). A total of 72% of these patients were receiving at least half-maximal doses of sulfonylurea therapy. In combination with a sulfonylurea, Welchol resulted in statistically significant placebo-corrected reductions in A1C and FPG (Table 15). Welchol also reduced TC, LDL-C, Apo B, and non-HDL-C, but increased serum TG (Table 16). The mean percent change in serum LDL-C levels with Welchol compared to placebo was -18% among statin users and -15% among statin non-users; the median percent increase in serum TG with Welchol compared to placebo was 29% among statin users and 9% among statin non-users. The mean change in body weight was 0.0 kg for Welchol and -0.4 kg for placebo.
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Add-on Combination Therapy with Insulin: Welchol 3.8 g/day or placebo was added to background anti-diabetic therapy in a 16-week trial of 287 patients already treated with insulin alone (N=116) or insulin in combination with oral agents (N=171). At baseline, the median daily insulin dose was 70 units in the Welchol group and 65 units in the placebo group. In combination with insulin, Welchol resulted in a statistically significant placebo-corrected reduction in A1C (Table 17). Welchol also reduced LDL-C and Apo B, but increased serum TG (Table 18). The mean percent change in serum LDL-C levels with Welchol compared to placebo was -13% among statin users and statin non-users; the median percent increase in serum TG levels with Welchol compared to placebo was 24% among statin users and 17% among statin non-users. The mean change in body weight was 0.6 kg for Welchol and 0.2 kg for placebo.
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How Supplied
Welchol (colesevelam hydrochloride) Tablets, 625 mg, are supplied as an off-white, solid tablet imprinted with the word “Sankyo” and “C01” on one side. Welchol tablets are available as follows:
• Bottles of 180 - NDC 65597-701-18
Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Brief exposure to 40°C (104°F) does not adversely affect the product. Protect from moisture.
Welchol (colesevelam hydrochloride) for Oral Suspension is a white to pale yellow powder containing yellow granules. Welchol for Oral Suspension is available as follows:
1.875 gram single-dose packet Cartons of 60 packets – NDC 65597-903-60 3.75 gram single-dose packet Cartons of 30 packets – NDC 65597-902-30
Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.
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Patient Information
Dosing: Patients should be advised to take Welchol Tablets with a meal and liquid. Welchol can be taken as 6 tablets once daily or 3 tablets twice daily. Patients should be advised to take Welchol for Oral Suspension as one 3.75 gram packet once daily or one 1.875 gram packet twice daily. To prepare, empty the entire contents of one packet into a glass or cup. Add ½ to 1 cup (4 to 8 ounces) of water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks. Stir well and drink. Welchol for Oral Suspension should be taken with meals. To avoid esophageal distress, Welchol for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix Welchol for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting [See Dosage and Administration(2)]
Drug interactions: Drugs with a known interaction with colesevelam (e.g., cyclosporine,glimepiride,glipizide, glyburide, levothyroxine, olmesartan medoxomil, oral contraceptives) should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. In an in vivo drug interaction study, there was no significant effect on the bioavailability of phenytoin; however, due to its narrow therapeutic index and post-marketing reports consistent with potential drug-drug interactions, phenytoin should be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Drugs that have not been tested for interaction with colesevelam, especially those with a narrow therapeutic index, should also be administered at least 4 hours prior to Welchol. Alternatively the physician should monitor blood levels of the coadministered drug. Patients receiving concomitant metformin ER and colesevelam should be monitored for clinical response as is usual for the use of anti-diabetes drugs [See Drug Interactions (7)]
Gastrointestinal: Welchol can cause constipation. Welchol is contraindicated in patients with a history of bowel obstruction. Welchol is not recommended in patients who may be at risk of bowel obstruction, including patients with gastroparesis, other gastrointestinal motility disorders, or a history of major gastrointestinal surgery. Patients should be instructed to consume a diet that promotes bowel regularity. Patients should be instructed to promptly discontinue Welchol and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain or severe constipation occurs. Because of the tablet size, Welchol Tablets can cause dysphagia or esophageal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with dysphagia or swallowing disorders. To avoid esophageal distress, Welchol for Oral Suspension should not be taken in its dry form. Always mix Welchol for Oral Suspension with water, fruit juice, or diet soft drinks before ingesting [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis: Patients should be instructed to discontinue Welchol and seek prompt medical attention if the hallmark symptoms of acute pancreatitis occur (e.g., severe abdominal pain with or without nausea and vomiting). [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Why this medication is prescribed
Colesevelam is used with exercise and diet changes (restriction of cholesterol and fat intake) to reduce the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. It works by binding bile acids in your intestines. Bile acids are made when cholesterol is broken down in your body. Removing these bile acids helps to lower your blood cholesterol. Accumulation of cholesterol and fats along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help to prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. Colesevelam may be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications known as statins (atorvastatin [Lipitor], cerivastatin [Baycol], lovastatin [Mevacor], pravastatin [Pravachol], or simvastatin [Zocor]).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this medication should be used
Colesevelam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with meals and liquid. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take at each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take colesevelam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your lipid levels should lower within 2 weeks. Colesevelam lowers your lipid levels but does not cure high cholesterol. Continue to take colesevelam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking colesevelam without talking to your doctor.
Special Precautions
Before taking colesevelam:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to colesevelam or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially sustained-release formulations of verapamil (Calan SR) and vitamins and herbal products.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gastrointestinal problems, especially bowel obstruction or difficulty swallowing foods, triglyceride levels greater than 300 mg/dl, bleeding problems, and low levels of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, E, and K).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking colesevelam, call your doctor.
Special dietary instructions
Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. This kind of diet includes cottage cheese, fat-free milk, fish (not canned in oil), vegetables, poultry, egg whites, and polyunsaturated oils and margarines (corn, safflower, canola, and soybean oils). Avoid foods with excess fat in them such as meat (especially liver and fatty meat), egg yolks, whole milk, cream, butter, shortening, lard, pastries, cakes, cookies, gravy, peanut butter, chocolate, olives, potato chips, coconut, cheese (other than cottage cheese), coconut oil, palm oil, and fried foods.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Side effects from colesevelam can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- gas
- constipation
- upset stomach
- headache
- weakness
- muscle pain
- throat infection
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to colesevelam.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Welchol®
Taking with Alcohol
Alcohol-Welchol tablet interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.