Hello Cindy,

Welchol, or colesevelam for the generic, is a member of the bile acid sequestrant family of cholesterol-lowering medications.  These drugs prevent bile acids, which are formed from cholesterol-derived compounds, from being re-absorbed from the GI tract.  This loss of bile requires an increased use of cholesterol, which in return lowers the cholesterol in your blood. 

Bile acid sequestrants, however, are not considered as effective as other medications, especially when compared to the statin family of drugs. 

If you are only on Welchol and not meeting your cholesterol goals, your doctor should consider several options.  He may consider increasing your dose of welchol, changing you to a statin by itself, or adding a statin to your dose of welchol.

Being that your physician knows your medical history, you should absolutely discuss with him before your stop taking your medications.

To your health,

Neil MD