What is Sevelamer?
Sevelamer is a binder for phosphate. Sevelamer is a phosphate binder that helps to keep out the development of hypocalcemia (low amounts of calcium within the body) caused by an elevated level of phosphorus.
Sevelamer helps to regulate the levels of phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney conditions who are on dialysis.Sevelamer can also be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Sevelamer
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Sevelamer could cause severe adverse effects. Stop using the drug and consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Choking or difficulty swallowing
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools;
- Serious constipation that is severe and causes stomach pain or
- Constipation that is worsening or is not cleared up.
Common adverse effects of sevelamer could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach loss of appetite, pain;
- Upset stomach, gas, bloating;
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Fatigued feeling;
- Itching
- Joint pain.
This list does not constitute an exhaustive listing of side effects; others could arise. Please consult your physician regarding potential medical adverse reactions before reporting any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Sucralfate, carbafate, Renvela, Auryxia, Velphoro, and carbonate of lanthanum
Warnings
Sevelamer is not a good option when you suffer from constipation.
Prior to use this drug
Sevelamer is not a good choice in the event that you are allergic to it or suffer from an obstruction in your bowel.
To ensure that sevelamer isn't harmful for you, consult your physician if you suffer from:
- Trouble swallowing
- Severe constipation;
- A blockage in your intestines.
- Slow digestion;
- An intestinal or stomach disorder
- If you've recently experienced an abdominal or stomach operation,
It is unclear if this medication will affect a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Your dose requirements during gestation may be different than prior.
Sevelamer taken while pregnant may lower blood levels of some vitamins or folic acid. Follow your doctor's advice on taking supplements or vitamin supplements during pregnancy.Sevelamer isn't in the bloodstream. It is not believed to harm nursing babies.Sevelamer has not been approved for use by anyone less than six years old.
How to take Sevelamer?
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor might alter the dosage to ensure you are getting the best outcomes. Sevelamer should not be used in greater or lesser quantities or for longer than suggested.Sevelamer is a medication to take with meals.
Sevelamer powder needs to be dissolved in water prior to taking it. The 0.8-gram packet must be mixed in at least 1 ounce (2 teaspoons) of water. The 2.4-gram packet must be mixed with at least two ounces (4 teaspoons) of drinking water.
Mix the powder with the water until it's completely dissolving. Mix and drink the mixture immediately. For the maximum amount, add a small amount of water to the glass, swirl it gently, and then drink it right away.When using sevelamer, you may require regular blood tests.Contact your doctor if you are having difficulty taking this tablet or it seems like it is stuck in your stomach after you've swallowed it.
Sevelamer is a small part of a full treatment plan that includes a specific diet. It is essential to adhere to the diet regimen prescribed by your physician or nutritionist. It is important to become aware of the list of food items you should avoid eating or avoiding to manage your health.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
Sevelamer dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperphosphatemia and Renal Failure:
The initial dose for those who are not using a binder containing phosphate is 800 mg to 1600 mg, orally three times per day along with a meal.
Based on the phosphorus levels in the serum:
-Phosphorus that is greater than 5.5 and lower than 7.5 mg/dl (800 mg) three times a day during meals.
-Phosphorus higher than or equivalent to 7.5 mg/dl at a rate of 1600 mg three times per day during meals.
In small doses of around 800 mg three times per day at 2-week intervals with the intention of keeping serum phosphorus within acceptable limits.
Dosage prescribed for average: 7.2 g/day (2.4 g with every meal)
Maximum studied dose: 14 g per day (carbonate); 13 g per day (hydrochloride).
Moving from the salt of hydrochloride to carbonate The same dose is used; however, further titration could be required to attain the desired levels of phosphorus.
Switching to the calcium acetate substitute mg for mg
Comment: Treatment for hyperphosphatemia involves reducing the dietary intake of phosphate, inhibiting phosphate absorption in the intestinal tract with phosphate-binding agents, and eliminating phosphate through dialysis.
Use: To monitor the levels of phosphorus in serum samples of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and dialysis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Once you remember, take any missed doses as soon as possible. Make sure you take the dose missed with food. Avoid taking the dose missed if it's close to the time of the next dose scheduled. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
There is a chance that you are taking other medications, which should not be consumed at the same time. Sevelamer may cause your body to take in certain drugs and make them less effective.
- Cipro (Cipro) must be taken at least 2 hours prior to or 6 hours following the time you took sevelamer.
- Mycophenolate mofetil (cellcept) is recommended to take at least 2 hours prior to taking sevelamer.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can be incompatible with several, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins, medicines, and herbs. Inform your health professionals about any medication you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start taking.
