Renagel (Sevelamer Hcl) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Renagel

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

Read the Kidney Failure article »

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Renagel Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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. Do not give crushed tablets or capsules down a feeding tube because the crushed drug may clog the tube. Dosage is based on your medical condition, any other medications you take to lower your phosphate levels, and your response to therapy.

If you are taking the powder form of this medication, check the manufacturer package directions for the proper amount of water to use for your specific dose. Stir the mixture well and drink the mixture within 30 minutes. If the powder settles to the bottom of the glass, then stir again right before drinking.

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.