lanthanum carbonate Health Article

Generic name(s):

lanthanum carbonate

Brand name(s):

Fosrenol

What is the most important information I should know about lanthanum carbonate?

Lanthanum carbonate tablets should be completely chewed before swallowing. Do not swallow the tablet whole.

Take lanthanum carbonate with meals or immediately after eating.

What is lanthanum carbonate?

Lanthanum carbonate is used for reducing phosphate levels in patients with end stage renal disease. High levels of phosphate can lead to complications with calcium absorption, resulting in serious medical problems.

Lanthanum prevents the body from absorbing phosphate, allowing it to be removed the body.

Lanthanum carbonate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lanthanum carbonate?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• ulcerative colitis;

• Crohn's disease; or

• a bowel obstruction.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use lanthanum carbonate or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Lanthanum carbonate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known if it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not take lanthanum carbonate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Taking this medication may affect the results of certain x-ray tests of your stomach. Tell the doctor or x-ray technician that you are using lanthanum carbonate before having any x-rays.

How should I take lanthanum carbonate?

Lanthanum carbonate should be used exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take lanthanum carbonate for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Chew the lanthanum carbonate tablet completely before swallowing. Do not swallow the tablet whole.

Lanthanum carbonate is usually taken with meals or immediately after eating. Store lanthanum carbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms from lanthanum carbonate are unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking lanthanum carbonate?

Avoid making any changes to your diet while you are taking this medication.

What are the possible side effects of lanthanum carbonate?

Stop using lanthanum carbonate and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take lanthanum carbonate and tell your doctor if you have:

• nausea or vomiting;

• diarrhea or constipation;

• stomach pain; or

• dialysis graft blockage.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect lanthanum carbonate?

There may be other drugs that can affect lanthanum carbonate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about lanthanum carbonate written for health professionals that you may read.