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Renagel

Brand Names

; Renagel®

Therapeutic Categories

Phosphate Binder

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to sevelamer or any other part of the medicine.
• If you have low phosphate levels in your body or a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine decreases high levels of phosphorus in the blood. High phosphorus levels are usually caused by kidney failure. This medicine is for people on dialysis.

How does it work?

• Sevelamer decreases absorption of phosphate through the gastrointestinal tract. This lowers the level of phosphate in the blood.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food.
• Swallow tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Do not take sevelamer at the same time as other medicines. Take other medicines 1 hour before or 3 hours after sevelamer.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have had a blocked intestine or intestinal movement problems talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Changes in blood pressure.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).