Renagel (sevelamer) 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.
Important information
You should not take Renagel if you are allergic to sevelamer, or 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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Renagel if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.
To make sure you can safely take Renagel, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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trouble swallowing;
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severe constipation;
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a blockage in your intestines;
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a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
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if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Renagel 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 Renagel without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take Renagel?
Take Renagel 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 Renagel with meals. Do not crush, chew, or break the Renagel tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Renagel tablets expand when they are wet, and breaking or crushing the pill may make it harder to swallow.
To be sure Renagel 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.
Renagel 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 Renagel 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?
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.
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.
Renagel side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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 a serious side effect such as:
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black, bloody, or tarry stools;
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constipation that gets worse or does not clear up;
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severe constipation with stomach pain; or
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious Renagel side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
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upset stomach, gas, bloating;
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diarrhea, mild constipation;
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tired feeling;
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itching; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Renagel?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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ciprofloxacin (Cipro);
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levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl);
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a heart rhythm medication; or
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a seizure medication.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Renagel. 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.
