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Suggest Effective Alternatives To Welchol For IBS

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Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015
Question: Welchol was prescribed for me to help me with my IBS. My dr had told me that one of the side effects was constipation, and I was getting ready to leave for Australia for 5 months. I had had an awful time the 5 months beforehand--not sure what had made it so bad, but was even dreading the trip. This medicine has been a lifesaver! My Pharmacist was able to give me a month and a half but I have just run out, and Australia does not have this medicine or anything like it. I will be here another 3 months. Any suggestions for something that might work as well? YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I will suggest you try similar drugs that do the same job.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about the difficulty getting your medications, The best thing would be to request this drug from the USA. If this is possible, then this is the best way forward. However, in the absence of that possibility, I would recommend that you try to find out if the following drugs are available. They are basically from the same class and do the same job. My thinking is that if Welchol worked for you, then any other drug from this class would be able to help you as well.

This drug is mainly to sequester bile acids. This problem is common in persons who have had their gall bladder removed. I will like to ask if you have had gall bladder surgery before.

The list of medications to look at are the following:
Generic Name     Brand Name
cholestyramine     Locholest, Prevalite
colesevelam     Welchol
colestipol      Colestid

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Before I closed the discussion, I wanted to check and see if I could get any of the suggested drugs here in Australia. (I am not able to have the Welchol mailed to me from the US.) Even though the 1st doctor that I went to did not see a substitute for Welchol, the Cholestyramine is definitely one, and is a drug that can be prescribed and purchased here! The Colestipol Hydrochloride is, also, but it sounds like the the first one is the one I should ask for. Thank you SO very much!! Hopefully, I will have no trouble getting it! XXXXXXX XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your kind words!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am humbled by your kind words. Keep me updated about the process and progress in getting your drugs. If you have any further concerns, please never hesitate to contact me.

Until next, I wish you well.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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Suggest Effective Alternatives To Welchol For IBS

Brief Answer: I will suggest you try similar drugs that do the same job. Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about the difficulty getting your medications, The best thing would be to request this drug from the USA. If this is possible, then this is the best way forward. However, in the absence of that possibility, I would recommend that you try to find out if the following drugs are available. They are basically from the same class and do the same job. My thinking is that if Welchol worked for you, then any other drug from this class would be able to help you as well. This drug is mainly to sequester bile acids. This problem is common in persons who have had their gall bladder removed. I will like to ask if you have had gall bladder surgery before. The list of medications to look at are the following: Generic Name Brand Name cholestyramine Locholest, Prevalite colesevelam Welchol colestipol Colestid I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.