sevelamer - oral, Renagel, Renvela
GENERIC NAME: SEVELAMER - ORAL (seh-VELL-uh-mer)
BRAND NAME(S): Renagel, Renvela
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Sevelamer is used to prevent and treat high blood phosphate levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sevelamer works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with meals or as directed by your doctor. Do not give crushed tablets or capsules down a feeding tube because the crushed drug may clog the tube. Dosage is based on your medical condition, any other medications you take to lower your phosphate levels, and your response to therapy.If you are taking the powder form of this medication, check the manufacturer package directions for the proper amount of water to use for your specific dose. Stir the mixture well and drink the mixture within 30 minutes. If the powder settles to the bottom of the glass, then stir again right before drinking.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it after each meal every day, or on the schedule given to you by your doctor.Do not take other medications by mouth for 1 hour before you take this medication or for 3 hours afterward. Taking other medications during that time could decrease the effectiveness of the other drugs. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, cough, gas, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if these unlikely but serious side effects occur: problems with your dialysis access site, severe constipation/inability to have a bowel movement, stomach/abdominal pain or swelling.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, chest pain, pain/redness/swelling in the lower legs.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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