Generic Name: sevelamer (se VEL a mer)
Brand Names: Renagel, Renvela
What is sevelamer?
Sevelamer is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.
Sevelamer is used to reduce blood levels of phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
Sevelamer may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sevelamer?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.
Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, severe constipation, a blockage in your intestines, a stomach or intestinal disorder, 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 sevelamer. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.
Before taking sevelamer, 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sevelamer?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.
To make sure you can safely take sevelamer, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
trouble swallowing;
severe constipation;
a blockage in your intestines;
a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sevelamer will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether sevelamer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take sevelamer?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Take sevelamer with meals. Do not crush, chew, or break the sevelamer tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Sevelamer tablets expand when they are wet, and breaking or crushing the pill may make it harder to swallow.
Sevelamer powder must be dissolved in water before you take it. The 0.8-gram packet should be mixed with at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water. The 2.4-gram packet should be mixed with at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of water.
Stir the powder in water until it is completely dissolved. Drink all of this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Sevelamer may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure to take the missed dose with food. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking sevelamer?
Avoid taking any other medicines within 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take sevelamer. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.
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.
Sevelamer side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using sevelamer and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
constipation that gets worse or does not clear up;
severe constipation with stomach pain; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
upset stomach, gas, bloating;
diarrhea, mild 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.
What other drugs will affect sevelamer?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
ciprofloxacin (Cipro);
levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl);
a heart rhythm medication; or
a seizure medication.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with sevelamer. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Renagel resources
- Renagel Side Effects (in more detail)
- Renagel Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Renagel Drug Interactions
- Renagel Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Renagel - Add your own review/rating
- Renagel Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Renagel Consumer Overview
- Renagel Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Renagel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Sevelamer Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Sevelamer Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Renvela Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Renvela Consumer Overview
Compare Renagel with other medications
- Hyperphosphatemia of Renal Failure
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about sevelamer.
See also: Renagel side effects (in more detail)
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