Renagel (Sevelamer Hcl) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sevelamer (Renagel)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have:

a low blood level of phosphorus (hypophosphatemia); or
a blockage in your intestines.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

trouble swallowing;
severe constipation;
a digestive disorder of your stomach or intestines; or
if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sevelamer is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether sevelamer passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sevelamer (Renagel)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take sevelamer with meals.

Do not crush, chew, or break the sevelamer tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Sevelamer tablets expand when they are wet, and breaking or crushing the pill may make it harder to swallow.

Sevelamer powder must be dissolved in water before you take it. The 0.8-gram packet should be mixed with at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water. The 2.4-gram packet should be mixed with at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of water.

Stir the powder in water until it is completely dissolved. Drink all of this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

To be sure this medication 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.

Sevelamer 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 sevelamer tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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