What is Renagel?
Renagel binds phosphate. Sevelamer prevents hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium within the body caused by high phosphorus.Renagel helps control the phosphorus level in patients with chronic renal disease on dialysis.Renagel can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Renagel
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Renagel, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Renagel immediately and contact your doctor.
- Choking or difficulty swallowing is a common occurrence.
- Black, bloody, or tarry stools
- Constipation accompanied by stomach pain or severe constipation
- Constipation that worsens or doesn't clear up
Renagel may cause side effects such as:
- Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with stomach pain.
- Gas, bloating, upset stomach;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Tired feeling
- Itching
- Joint pain.
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Renagel should not be taken if you are suffering from a bowel obstruction.Tell your doctor before taking Renagel if you suffer from severe constipation or have had recent stomach or intestinal surgery.Renagel should not be taken within an hour or three hours after taking another medication. Sevelamer may bind with other medicines and reduce their effectiveness.Tell your doctor if, before taking Renagel, you are currently taking ciprofloxacin, a medication for heart rhythm, or a medication to treat seizures.Take calcium and other minerals only on your doctor's recommendation. Only use the calcium or mineral supplements that your doctor has prescribed.
Before you take this drug
Renagel should not be taken if Sevelamer is allergic to you or if your bowels are blocked.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Renagel will be safe for you:
- Trouble swallowing
- Constipation severe;
- A blockage of your intestines
- Slow digestion;
- A stomach or intestinal disorder
- If you've recently had a stomach or intestinal operation,
Renagel is not known to harm an unborn child.Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.Renagel can reduce your blood levels of certain vitamins and folic acids. You should follow your doctor's advice when it comes to taking vitamin or mineral supplements while pregnant.
Sevelamer does not enter the bloodstream and is therefore not harmful to nursing babies.Renagel should not be used by children younger than six years of age.
How to take Renagel?
Follow the directions on your prescription label to take Renagel. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Occasionally, your doctor may change the dose you are taking to ensure that you receive the best possible results. Use this medication only as directed.Use the dose recommended and do not use more than that.Renagel can be taken with food.Renagel may require frequent blood tests.If you are having difficulty swallowing the tablets or feel that they are stuck in your esophagus, call your doctor.Renagel is often part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes a special dietary plan. You should strictly follow the diet prescribed by your doctor or nutritionist. To help you control your condition, it is important to become familiar with the foods that you should eat and avoid.Keep away from moisture and heat at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hyperphosphatemia and renal failure:
Initial Dosing: For patients who are not taking a phosphate binder, 800 mg to 1660 mg orally three times daily with meals
According to serum phosphorus levels:
-Phosphorus less than or equal to 7.5 mg/dL but greater than 5.5 mg/dL: 800 mg 3 times per day with meals
-Phosphorus above or equal to 7.5 mg/dL: 1600 mg 3 times per day with meals
-Titrate by 800 mg every 3 days at intervals of 2 weeks to control serum phosphorus.
Average daily dose: 7.2 grams (2.4 grams with each meal).
Maximum studied dose: 14 g per day (carbonate); 13 g per day (hydrochloride).
If you switch from hydrochloride to carbonate, use the same dose. However, further titrations may be required to reach the desired phosphorus level.
Change from calcium acetate to mg
Comment: Treatment for hyperphosphatemia involves reducing dietary intake of the phosphate and inhibiting intestinal absorption of the phosphate using a phosphate binder. Dialysis is also used to remove phosphate.
Use: To control serum levels of phosphorus in patients with chronic renal disease on dialysis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not hesitate to take the missed dose. Take the missed dose with food. Skip the missed dosage if your next dose is scheduled soon. Do not increase your dose to make up for the missed one.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
When taken together with sevelamer, other medications may not be safe. Sevelamer may make certain drugs less effective by making it more difficult for the body to absorb them.
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin) should be taken 2 hours prior to or 6 hours following the use of sevelamer.
- Sevelamer should be taken 2 hours after taking mycophenolate-mofetil (CellCept).
Interaction with other drug
Sevelamer may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins.Tell your doctor about all the medications that you take, even if they are new.
