Uses
What is sevelamer used for?
Sevelamer is commonly used to lower phosphorus levels in the blood if you have a condition called chronic kidney disease (CKD) and you need dialysis. In CKD, your kidneys can’t remove phosphorus as well as usual, so high levels of phosphorus can build up in the body. This can lead to problems, such as making the bones weaker.
Sevelamer may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does sevelamer work (mechanism of action)?
Sevelamer attaches to phosphate in the gut and helps prevent it from being absorbed. This lowers phosphate levels in the blood.
How is sevelamer supplied (dosage forms)?
Sevelamer is available as Renagel, Renvela, and generic sevelamer in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 400 mg oral tablets
- 800 mg oral tablets
- 0.8 g powder for oral suspension
- 2.4 g powder for oral suspension
How should I store sevelamer?
Sevelamer should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of sevelamer?
The most common side effects of sevelamer are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea (see below)
- Vomiting (see below)
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain (see below)
- Gas
- Constipation (see below)
There may be other side effects of sevelamer that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of sevelamer?
While less common, the most serious side effects of sevelamer are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Trouble Swallowing. Sevelamer can cause trouble swallowing, which can be serious. Stop taking sevelamer and get help right away if you have any swallowing problems.
Severe Constipation. Sevelamer can cause severe constipation, which may lead to further gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as inflammation, bleeding, sores (ulcers), blockage (obstruction), or a hole in the intestine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe constipation.
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Blood in your poop or black poop (looks like tar)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use sevelamer?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take sevelamer.
- Sevelamer carbonate
- Sevelamer hydrochloride
- Renagel
- Renvela
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sevelamer products they stock.
Gut Blockage. Sevelamer should not be used if you have a gut blockage, also called a bowel obstruction. A bowel obstruction is a serious problem that happens when something is blocking your intestines. Sevelamer may also cause a bowel obstruction, so it could make this condition worse.
What should I know about sevelamer before using it?
Do not take sevelamer unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share sevelamer with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep sevelamer out of the reach of children.
Take sevelamer with meals.
If you are prescribed sevelamer powder for mixing, ask your healthcare provider how to mix it in a liquid or food before taking it.
Sevelamer may lower levels of some vitamins and folic acid in the body. Your healthcare provider may advise you to take a vitamin supplement.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using sevelamer?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sevelamer is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Trouble swallowing or swallowing problems
- Severe constipation
- Surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines
- Slow movement of food through your stomach
Other Medicines and Supplements. Sevelamer may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sevelamer, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. Sevelamer is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take sevelamer while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Sevelamer is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass to a baby through breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take sevelamer while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does sevelamer interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between sevelamer and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sevelamer.
Does sevelamer interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using sevelamer.
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR), which is an antibiotic
- Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
Sevelamer may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much sevelamer?
If you or someone else has used too much sevelamer, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of sevelamer?
If you miss a dose and you have just eaten, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Sevelamer?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.