The active ingredient in Renagel Tablets is sevelamer hydrochloride, a polymeric amine that binds phosphate and is meant for oral administration. Sevelamer hydrochloride is poly(allylamine hydrochloride) crosslinked with epichlorohydrin in which forty percent of the amines are protonated. It is known chemically as poly (allylamine-co-N,N'-diallyl- 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane) hydrochloride. Sevelamer hydrochloride is hydrophilic, but insoluble in water. The structure is represented below:

Chemical Structure of Sevelamer Hydrochloride

The primary amine groups shown in the structure are derived directly from poly(allylamine hydrochloride). The crosslinking groups consist of two secondary amine groups derived from poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and one molecule of epichlorohydrin.

Renagel® Tablets: Each film-coated tablet of Renagel contains either 800 mg or 400 mg of sevelamer hydrochloride on an anhydrous basis. The inactive ingredients are hypromellose, diacetylated monoglyceride, colloidal silicon dioxide, and stearic acid. The tablet imprint contains iron oxide black ink.

RENAGEL®¹ (sevelamer hydrochloride) is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. The safety and efficacy of Renagel in CKD patients who are not on dialysis have not been studied.

Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder. The recommended starting dose of Renagel is 800 to 1600 mg, which can be administered as one or two 800 mg Renagel® Tablets or two to four 400 mg Renagel® Tablets, with meals based on serum phosphorus level. Table 1 provides recommended starting doses of Renagel for patients not taking a phosphate binder.

Table 1. Starting Dose for Dialysis Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder

Patients Switching From Calcium Acetate. In a study in 84 CKD patients on hemodialysis, a similar reduction in serum phosphorus was seen with equivalent doses (approximately mg for mg) of Renagel and calcium acetate. Table 2 gives recommended starting doses of Renagel based on a patient's current calcium acetate dose.

Table 2. Starting Dose for Dialysis Patients Switching From Calcium Acetate to Renagel

Dose Titration for All Patients Taking Renagel. Dosage should be adjusted based on the serum phosphorus concentration with a goal of lowering serum phosphorus to 5.5 mg/dL or less. The dose may be increased or decreased by one tablet per meal at two week intervals as necessary. Table 3 gives a dose titration guideline. The average dose in a Phase 3 trial designed to lower serum phosphorus to 5.0 mg/dL or less was approximately three Renagel 800 mg tablets per meal. The maximum average daily Renagel dose studied was 13 grams.

Table 3. Dose Titration Guideline

Dosage Forms And Strengths

800 mg and 400 mg Tablets.

Storage And Handling

Renagel® 800 mg Tablets are supplied as oval, film-coated, compressed tablets, imprinted with “RENAGEL 800” containing 800 mg of sevelamer hydrochloride on an anhydrous basis, hypromellose, diacetylated monoglyceride, colloidal silicon dioxide, and stearic acid. Renagel® 800 mg Tablets are packaged in bottles of 180 tablets.

Renagel® 400 mg Tablets are supplied as oval, film-coated, compressed tablets, imprinted with “RENAGEL 400” containing 400 mg of sevelamer hydrochloride on an anhydrous basis, hypromellose, diacetylated monoglyceride, colloidal silicon dioxide, and stearic acid. Renagel® 400 mg Tablets are packaged in bottles of 360 tablets.

1 Bottle of 30 ct 800 mg Tablets (NDC 58468-0021-3)
1 Bottle of 180 ct 800 mg Tablets (NDC 58468-0021-1)
1 Bottle of 360 ct 400 mg Tablets (NDC 58468-0020-1)

Storage Store at 25°C (77°F): excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Do not use Renagel® after the expiration date on the bottle.

[See USP controlled room temperature]

Protect from moisture.

¹Registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation.

Distributed by: Genzyme Corporation. 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA. FDA Rev date: 10/19/2007

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug can not be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In a parallel design study of sevelamer hydrochloride with treatment duration of 52 weeks, adverse events reported for sevelamer hydrochloride (n=99) were similar to those reported for the active comparator group (n=101). Overall adverse events among those treated with sevelamer hydrochloride occurring in > 5% of patients included: vomiting (22%), nausea (20%), diarrhea (19%), dyspepsia (16%), abdominal pain (9%), flatulence (8%) and constipation (8%). A total of 27 patients treated with sevelamer and 10 patients treated with comparator withdrew from the study due to adverse reactions.

Based on studies of 8-52 weeks, the most common reason for withdrawal from Renagel was gastrointestinal adverse reactions (3-16%).

In one hundred and forty-three peritoneal dialysis patients studied for 8 weeks most adverse reactions were similar to adverse reactions observed in hemodialysis patients. The most frequently occurring treatment emergent serious adverse reaction was peritonitis (8 reactions in 8 patients [8%] in the sevelamer group and 2 reactions in 2 patients [4%] on active control. Thirteen patients (14%) in the sevelamer group and 9 patients (20%) in the active control group discontinued, mostly for gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Patients on PD should be closely monitored to ensure the reliable use of appropriate aseptic technique with the prompt recognition and management of any signs and symptoms associated with peritonitis.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel®): pruritis, rash, abdominal pain, fecal impaction and uncommon cases of ileus, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation. Appropriate medical management should be given to patients who develop constipation or have worsening of existing constipation to avoid severe complications.

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Renagel has been studied in human drug-drug interaction studies with ciprofloxacin, digoxin, warfarin, enalapril, metoprolol and iron.

Ciprofloxacin

In a study of 15 healthy subjects, a co-administered single dose of 7 Renagel Capsules (approximately 2.8 g) decreased the bioavailability of ciprofloxacin by approximately 50%.

Digoxin

In 19 healthy subjects receiving 6 Renagel capsules three times a day with meals for 2 days, Renagel did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of digoxin.

Warfarin

In 14 healthy subjects receiving 6 Renagel capsules three times a day with meals for 2 days, Renagel did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of warfarin.

Enalapril

In 28 healthy subjects a single dose of 6 Renagel capsules did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of enalapril.

Metoprolol

In 31 healthy subjects a single dose of 6 Renagel capsules did not alter the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of metoprolol.

Iron

In 23 healthy subjects, a single dose of 7 Renagel capsules did not alter the absorption of a single oral dose of iron as 200 mg exsiccated ferrous sulfate tablet.

Other Concomitant Drug Therapy

There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between Renagel® and most concomitant drugs. However, when administering an oral medication where a reduction in bioavailability of the medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy, the drug should be administered at least one hour before or three hours after Renagel, or the physician should consider monitoring blood levels of the drug. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic and anti-seizure medications were excluded from the clinical trials. Special precautions should be taken when prescribing Renagel to patients also taking these medications.

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Use Caution in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders

The safety of Renagel has not been established in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, severe gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders including severe constipation, or major GI tract surgery. Use caution in patients with these GI disorders.

Monitor Serum Chemistries

Bicarbonate and chloride levels should be monitored.

Monitor for Reduced Vitamins D, E, K (clotting factors) and Folic Acid Levels

In preclinical studies in rats and dogs, sevelamer hydrochloride reduced vitamins D, E, and K (coagulation parameters) and folic acid levels at doses of 6-10 times the recommended human dose. In short-term clinical trials, there was no evidence of reduction in serum levels of vitamins. However, in a one-year clinical trial, 25- hydroxyvitamin D (normal range 10 to 55 ng/mL) fell from 39 ± 22 ng/mL to 34 ± 22 ng/mL (p < 0.01) with sevelamer hydrochloride treatment. Most (approximately 75%) patients in sevelamer hydrochloride clinical trials received vitamin supplements, which is typical of patients on dialysis.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Standard lifetime carcinogenicity bioassays were conducted in mice and rats. Rats were given sevelamer hydrochloride by diet at 0.3, 1, or 3 g/kg/day. There was an increased incidence of urinary bladder transitional cell papilloma in male rats of the high dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 g). Mice received dietary administration of sevelamer hydrochloride at doses of up to 9 g/kg/day (human equivalent dose 3 times the maximum clinical trial dose). There was no increased incidence of tumors observed in mice.

In an in vitro mammalian cytogenetic test with metabolic activation, sevelamer hydrochloride caused a statistically significant increase in the number of structural chromosome aberrations. Sevelamer hydrochloride was not mutagenic in the Ames bacterial mutation assay.

Sevelamer hydrochloride did not impair the fertility of male or female rats in a dietary administration study in which the females were treated from 14 days prior to mating through gestation and the males were treated for 28 days prior to mating. The highest dose in this study was 4.5 g/kg/day (human equivalent dose 3 times the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 g).

In pregnant rats given dietary doses of 0.5, 1.5 or 4.5 g/kg/day of sevelamer hydrochloride during organogenesis, reduced or irregular ossification of fetal bones, probably due to a reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamin D, occurred in mid- and high- dose groups (human equivalent doses less than the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 g). In pregnant rabbits given oral doses of 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg/day of sevelamer hydrochloride by gavage during organogenesis, an increase of early resorptions occurred in the high-dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose).

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: The effect of Renagel on the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients has not been studied in pregnant women. Requirements for vitamins and other nutrients are increased in pregnancy. In pregnant rats given doses of Renagel during organogenesis, reduced or irregular ossification of fetal bones, probably due to a reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamin D, occurred. In pregnant rabbits given oral doses of Renagel by gavage during organogenesis, an increase of early resorptions occurred. [See NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY]

Labor and Delivery

No Renagel treatment-related effects on labor and delivery were seen in animal studies. The effects of Renagel on labor and delivery in humans are not known. [See NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY]

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of Renagel has not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Renagel did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Renagel has been given to normal healthy volunteers in doses of up to 14 grams per day for eight days with no adverse effects. Renagel has been given in average doses up to 13 grams per day to hemodialysis patients. There are no reports of overdosage with Renagel in patients. Since Renagel is not absorbed, the risk of systemic toxicity is low.

Renagel is contraindicated in patients with hypophosphatemia or bowel obstruction.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis retain phosphorus and can develop hyperphosphatemia. High serum phosphorus can precipitate serum calcium resulting in ectopic calcification. When the product of serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations (Ca x P) exceeds 55 mg²/dL², there is an increased risk that ectopic calcification will occur. Hyperphosphatemia plays a role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal insufficiency.

Treatment of hyperphosphatemia includes reduction in dietary intake of phosphate, inhibition of intestinal phosphate absorption with phosphate binders, and removal of phosphate with dialysis. Renagel taken with meals has been shown to decrease serum phosphorus concentrations in patients with CKD who are on dialysis.

Mechanism of Action

Renagel contains sevelamer hydrochloride, a non-absorbed binding crosslinked polymer. It contains multiple amines separated by one carbon from the polymer backbone. These amines exist in a protonated form in the intestine and interact with phosphate molecules through ionic and hydrogen bonding. By binding phosphate in the dietary tract and decreasing absorption, sevelamer hydrochloride lowers the phosphate concentration in the serum.

Pharmacodynamics

In addition to effects on serum phosphate levels, sevelamer hydrochloride has been shown to bind bile acids in vitro and in vivo in experimental animal models. Bile acid binding by ion exchange resins is a well-established method of lowering blood cholesterol. Because sevelamer binds bile acids, it may interfere with normal fat absorption and thus may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and K. In clinical trials of sevelamer hydrochloride, both the mean total and LDL cholesterol declined by 15-31%. This effect is observed after 2 weeks. Triglycerides, HDL, cholesterol and albumin did not change.

Pharmacokinetics

A mass balance study using ¹⁴C-sevelamer hydrochloride in 16 healthy male and female volunteers showed that sevelamer hydrochloride is not systemically absorbed. No absorption studies have been performed in patients with renal disease.

Clinical Studies

The ability of Renagel to lower serum phosphorus in CKD patients on dialysis was demonstrated in six clinical trials: one double-blind placebo controlled 2-week study (Renagel N=24); two open-label uncontrolled 8-week studies (Renagel N=220) and three active-controlled open-label studies with treatment durations of 8 to 52 weeks (Renagel N=256). Three of the active-controlled studies are described here. One is a crossover study with two 8-week periods comparing Renagel to an active control. The second is a 52-week parallel study comparing Renagel with active control. The third is a 12-week parallel study comparing Renagel and active control in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Active-Control, Crossover Study in Hemodialysis Patients

Eighty-four CKD patients on hemodialysis who were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus > 6.0 mg/dL) following a two-week phosphate binder washout period received Renagel and active control for eight weeks each in random order. Treatment periods were separated by a two-week phosphate binder washout period. Patients started on treatment three times per day with meals. Over each eight-week treatment period, at three separate time points the dose of Renagel could be titrated up 1 capsule or tablet per meal (3 per day) to control serum phosphorus, the dose of active control could also be altered to attain phosphate control. Both treatments significantly decreased mean serum phosphorus by about 2 mg/dL (Table 5).

Table 5. Mean Serum Phosphorus (mg/dL) at Baseline and Endpoint

Figure 1 shows that the proportion of patients achieving a given level of serum phosphorus lowering is similar in the two treatment groups. Median decrease in phosphorus was 2 mg/dL on each treatment.

Figure 1. Cumulative percent of patients (Y-axis) attaining a phosphorus change from baseline at least as great as the value of the X-axis. A shift to the left of a curve indicates a better response.

Average daily Renagel dose at the end of treatment was 4.9 g (range of 0.0 to 12.6 g).

Active-Control, Parallel Study in Hemodialysis Patients

Two hundred CKD patients on hemodialysis who were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus > 5.5 mg/dL) following a two-week phosphate binder washout period were randomized to receive Renagel 800 mg tablets (N=99) or an active control (N=101). The two treatments produced similar decreases in serum phosphorus. At week 52, using last- observation-carried-forward, Renagel and control both significantly decreased mean serum phosphorus (Table 6).

Table 6. Mean Serum Phosphorus (mg/dL) and Ion Product at Baseline and Change from Baseline to End of Treatment

Sixty-one percent of Renagel patients and 73% of the control patients completed the full 52 weeks of treatment.

Figure 2, a plot of the phosphorus change from baseline for the completers, illustrates the durability of response for patients who are able to remain on treatment.

Figure 2. Mean Phosphorus Change from Baseline for Patients who Completed 52 Weeks of Treatment

Average daily Renagel dose at the end of treatment was 6.5 g (range of 0.8 to 13 g).

Active-Control, Parallel Study in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

One hundred and forty-three patients on peritoneal dialysis who were hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus > 5.5 mg/dL) following a two-week phosphate binder washout period were randomized to receive Renagel (N=97) or active control (N=46) open label for 12 weeks. Average daily Renagel dose at the end of treatment was 5.9 g (range 0.8 to 14.3 g). There were statistically significant changes in serum phosphorus (p < 0.001) for Renagel (-1.6 mg/dL from baseline of 7.5 mg/dL), similar to the active control.

Dosing Recommendations

The prescriber should inform patients to take Renagel with meals and adhere to their prescribed diets. Instructions should be given on concomitant medications that should be dosed apart from Renagel.

Adverse Events

Renagel may cause constipation that if left untreated, may lead to severe complications. Patients should be cautioned to report new onset or worsening of existing constipation promptly to their physician.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

SEVELAMER - ORAL

(seh-VELL-uh-mer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Renagel, Renvela

USES: Sevelamer is used to prevent and treat high blood phosphate levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sevelamer works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 times daily with meals or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, any other medications you take to lower your phosphate levels, and your response to therapy.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew this medicine. Doing so may make it more difficult to swallow this medicine and may cause choking.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it after each meal every day, or on the schedule given to you by your doctor.

Do not take other medications by mouth for 1 hour before you take this medication or for 3 hours afterward. Taking other medications during that time could decrease the effectiveness of the other drugs. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, cough, gas, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if these unlikely but serious side effects occur: problems with your dialysis access site, severe constipation/inability to have a bowel movement, stomach/abdominal pain or swelling.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, chest pain, pain/redness/swelling in the lower legs.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: low blood phosphorus levels, bowel blockage.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., constipation), stomach/intestinal surgeries, swallowing problems (dysphagia).

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: ciprofloxacin.

Sevelamer may interfere with the effectiveness of many drugs by making it more difficult for them to be absorbed by the stomach. Consult your pharmacist about the best times to take your medication(s).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Your doctor may direct you to follow a special diet to help lower your blood phosphate levels. Follow the diet closely.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood phosphate and calcium levels) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose unless you have just eaten. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.