Drug Name

Renagel

Drug Uses

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 reduce blood levels of phosphorus in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

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

How to use

Use Renagel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Renagel by mouth with food.
• Swallow Renagel whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Renagel may bind with other medicines, reducing the amount your body can absorb and use. If you are taking other medicines, your doctor may want you to take them 1 hour before or 3 hours after taking Renagel . Contact your doctor if you have questions about when to take your dose.
• Continue to take Renagel even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Renagel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Renagel.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Renagel is a phosphate binder. It binds with phosphate in the digestive tract, which decreases the amount of phosphate absorbed into the body.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Renagel at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is allowed. Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not use after the expiration date. Keep Renagel out of the reach of children and away from pets.ye

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Renagel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Renagel
• you have low blood phosphate levels or a blockage of your bowels

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Renagel:

Some medical conditions may interact with Renagel . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have difficulty swallowing or certain stomach or bowel problems (eg, severe constipation), or if you have had major stomach or bowel surgery
• if you take medicines for irregular heartbeat, seizures, or thyroid problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Renagel . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Ciprofloxacin because its effectiveness may be decreased by Renagel

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Renagel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; gas; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe or persistent constipation or stomach pain.

More Information

If you have any questions about Renagel , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Renagel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.