SEVELAMER
In this session, we will be discussing the consumer medication information for sevelamer, trade name RenvelaTM and RenagelTM.
What it’s for & How to take
Sevelamer is used in patients who have kidney disease who are also on dialysis. This medication helps clean your blood from extra phosphorous when your kidneys are not working properly. Sevelamer helps keep calcium levels in your body normal.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are prescribed this medication to treat something that is not listed here.
Sevelamer is usually taken three times daily, with meals. While taking this medication, you may need to have regular blood tests. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your phosphorous levels and your response to treatment. Sevelamer is not approved for use by children under the age of 6 years old.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for your next dose, skip it and continue with your normal dose time. Do not take a double dose to make up the missed dose.
Warnings & Cautions
Do not use sevelamer if you have a history of bowel obstruction. Talk with your doctor if you have had difficulty swallowing, a history of constipation, or if you have had any digestive tract surgeries.
Taking this medication may cause a decrease in levels of vitamins and folic acid in your body. Talk with your doctor to see if you should be taking any vitamins or supplements during your treatment with this medication.
Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Interactions & Side Effects
Tell your pharmacist or doctor all your medication allergies so they may determine if sevelamer is safe for you to take.
Avoid dangerous drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist or doctor all the other medication you are taking, including over the counter supplements, even if you don’t take them very often.
Ask your doctor if this medication is safe to take with your current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a bowel obstruction, trouble with constipation, or a history of digestive problems.
While taking sevelamer, you may have some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation. If these or any other unwanted side effects persist, contact your doctor or pharmacist to talk about it with them.
Call your doctor right away if you have any choking or difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, worsening constipation, or other severe intestinal symptoms.
Call emergency 911 if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, and throat.
If you have any questions about what you have heard, contact your pharmacist or doctor. This session does not include all of the potential interactions or side effects that this medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist how to store your medication and how you should dispose of it when you are done taking it. Do not share your medication with anyone, ever. Remember, this is not meant to replace your counseling session with your pharmacist. In the case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Updated 7/20