Renagel

Generic name: Sevelamer
Drug class: Phosphate binders

Usage of Renagel

Renagel is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

Renagel is used to control phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Renagel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Renagel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Renagel: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Renagel and call your doctor at once if you have:

choking, or trouble swallowing;

black, bloody, or tarry stools;

severe constipation with stomach pain; or

constipation that gets worse or does not clear up.

Common Renagel side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

upset stomach, gas, bloating;

diarrhea, constipation;

tired feeling;

itching; or

joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Renagel

You should not take Renagel if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.

To make sure Renagel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

trouble swallowing;

severe constipation;

a blockage in your intestines;

slow digestion;

a stomach or intestinal disorder; or

if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

It is not known whether Renagel will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

Taking Renagel while you are pregnant can lower your blood levels of certain vitamins or folic acid. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking vitamins or mineral supplements during pregnancy.

Because sevelamer is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby.

Renagel is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Renagel

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperphosphatemia of Renal Failure:

Initial Dosing for patients not on a phosphate binder: 800 mg to 1600 mg orally 3 times a day with meals Based on serum phosphorus level: -Phosphorus greater than 5.5 to less than 7.5 mg/dL: 800 mg 3 times a day with meals -Phosphorus greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/dL: 1600 mg 3 times a day with meals -Titrate in increments of 800 mg 3 times a day at 2-week intervals with the goal of controlling serum phosphorus within target range. Average prescribed dose: 7.2 g/day (2.4 g with each meal) Maximum studied dose: 14 g per day (carbonate); 13 g per day (hydrochloride) Switching from the hydrochloride salt to carbonate: Use the same dose, however further titration may be necessary to achieve desired phosphorus levels. Switching from Calcium acetate: Substitute approximately mg for mg Comment: Treatment of hyperphosphatemia includes reduction in dietary intake of phosphate, inhibition of intestinal phosphate absorption with phosphate binders, and removal of phosphate with dialysis. Use: To control serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

Warnings

You should not take Renagel if you have a bowel obstruction.

Before taking Renagel, tell your doctor if you have severe constipation, a blockage in your intestines, a stomach or intestinal disorder, trouble swallowing, or if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

Avoid taking any other medicines within 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take Renagel. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.

Before taking Renagel, tell your doctor if you are taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a heart rhythm medication, or a seizure medication.

Do not take calcium or other mineral supplements without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of calcium or mineral supplement your doctor recommends.

What other drugs will affect Renagel

Other drugs may interact with sevelamer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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