Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®) tablets
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What are sevelamer tablets?
SEVELAMER (Renagel®) is a polymer that binds phosphates in the stomach and prevents them from being absorbed into the body. For this reason, sevelamer also can help to prevent dangerous increases in phosphates that tend to occur in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Generic sevelamer tablets are not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• difficulty swallowing
• constipation or bowel obstruction
• prior gastrointestinal surgery
• scheduled for surgery
• low blood phosphate levels
• stomach bleeding or obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sevelamer, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take sevelamer tablets by mouth with meals. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses regularly with meals and adhere to the diet prescribed by your health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with sevelamer?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
• phosphorus containing product or supplement
Due to its binding capacity in the stomach, sevelamer could possibly interact with any of the following medicines. If you are taking any of these medicines, take them at least one hour before or 3 hours after you take sevelamer.
• antibiotics
• medicines for an irregular heartbeat
• levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
• seizure (convulsion) medications
• theophylline
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking sevelamer?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you have bothersome stomach problems; if you get black tarry stools; notice any rectal bleeding; experience confusion; if you are scheduled for surgery; or if you feel unusually tired or weak.
If you are taking other medications, take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after taking sevelamer.
Make sure to take this medicine with meals and adhere to the diet prescribed by your physician. This will help to provide you with the phosphate-lowering benefits of this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from taking sevelamer?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• bone or joint aches and pains
• confusion or irritability
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle weakness or numbness
• severe or frequent constipation
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach indigestion or gas
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
