Renagel (Sevelamer Hcl) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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 Side Effects

Brand Names: Renagel, Renvela

Generic Name: sevelamer (Pronunciation: se VEL a mer)

What is sevelamer (Renagel)?

Sevelamer is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

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

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

What are the possible side effects of sevelamer (Renagel)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe stomach pain or constipation; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

upset stomach;
stomach pain, gas;
nausea, vomiting;
diarrhea; or
constipation.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing, severe constipation, a digestive disorder of your stomach or intestines, 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 sevelamer. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.

Before taking sevelamer, 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.

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