sevelamer Health Article

Generic name(s):

sevelamer

Brand name(s):

Renagel, Renvela

What is the most important information I should know about sevelamer?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a low blood level of phosphorus (hypophosphatemia), or a blockage in your intestines.

Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, severe constipation, a digestive disorder of your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

Avoid taking any other medicines within 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take sevelamer. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.

Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor if you are taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a heart rhythm medication, or a seizure medication.

Do not take calcium or other mineral supplements without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of calcium or mineral supplement your doctor recommends.

What is sevelamer?

Sevelamer is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

Sevelamer is used to reduce blood levels of phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Sevelamer may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sevelamer?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have:

• a low blood level of phosphorus (hypophosphatemia); or

• a blockage in your intestines.

Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• trouble swallowing;

• severe constipation;

• a digestive disorder of your stomach or intestines; or

• if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sevelamer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sevelamer?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take sevelamer with meals. Do not crush, chew, or break the sevelamer tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Sevelamer tablets expand when they are wet, and breaking or crushing the pill may make it harder to swallow.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Sevelamer may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store sevelamer tablets 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 your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed 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.

Since sevelamer is not absorbed by the body, an overdose of this medication is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.