Generic Name: sevelamer (seh VEH la mer)
Brand Names: Renagel
Renagel : Important Information
- Do not open, break, crush, or chew the tablets or capsules before swallowing.
- Take with meals and follow the diet prescribed by your doctor.
- Take all other medicines at least one hour before or three hours after a dose of this medication, under the direction of your doctor. This medication can bind to other medications, decreasing their effectiveness.
What is Renagel
- This medication is a phosphate binder.
- Used to reduce the level of phosphorus in the blood of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In patients on hemodialysis, this medication decreases the incidence of episodes of high levels of calcium in the body, secondary to high levels of phosphorus.
What to Discuss before Using
- Do not take this medication if you have:
- a low level of phosphorus in your blood
- an obstruction in your bowel
- This medication may be dangerous if you have either of the conditions listed above
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- difficulty swallowing
- stomach or intestinal problems
- recently had stomach or intestinal surgery
- You may not be able to take this medication, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- This medication is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether this medication will affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Renagel Dosage Method
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with sevelamer to monitor progress and side effects.
- Take with meals and follow the diet prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not open, break, crush, or chew the tablets or capsules before swallowing.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Renagel Overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- The symptoms of an overdose are not known. Since sevelamer is not absorbed by the body, the risk of dangerous effects from an overdose is low.
Avoid During Treatment
Follow the diet prescribed by your doctor during treatment.
Renagel Side Effects
- If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take this medication and notify your doctor if you experience:
- flatulence
- constipation
- diarrhea
- upset stomach or vomiting
- headache
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Take all other medicines at least one hour before or three hours after a dose of this medication, under the direction of your doctor. As it can bind to other medications, decreasing their effectiveness.
- Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Renagel (Sevelamer) is used to treat dialysis patients who have high phosphorus levels in their blood. Renagel belongs to the family of drugs known as Antihyperphosphatemic or Phosphate Binder drug.
Renagel medicine is commonly used for the treatment or prevention of hyperphosphatemia in patients with kidney disease who are on dialysis. Renagel/Sevelamer works by decreasing the absorption of phosphate through the gastrointestinal tract. Renagel is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on hemodialysis.
Renagel lowers the level of phosphate in the blood. Renagel (Sevelamer) is available in 800mg Tablet. Renagel medicine dosage instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist is very vital. Renagel drug interactions may occur with other medications and should not be neglected. Renagel should be stored at room temperature and protected from heat, moisture, and light. Renagel should be kept out of the reach of children.
