IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(seh-VELL-uh-mer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Renagel
USES: Sevelamer is used to treat dialysis patients (with kidney disease) who have high phosphorus levels in their blood.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually 3 times daily with meals; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole; do not crush or chew this medicine. If you are using the capsule form of this drug, do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Do not take other oral medications within 1 hour before, or 3 hours after taking this medication. Doing so could decrease the effectiveness of the other drugs. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, vomiting, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occurs: dizziness, blurred vision. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, unusually fast heartbeat, pain/redness/swelling in the lower legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: low blood phosphorus levels, bowel obstruction. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: stomach problems (e.g., motility disorders), stomach/intestinal surgeries, swallowing problems (dysphagia), any allergies you may have. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use especially: calcium supplements. Sevelamer may interfere with the effectiveness of many drugs by decreasing the absorption of other drugs from the stomach. Consult your pharmacist about the best times to take your medication(s). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage is permitted between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C).
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.