home > drugs a-z list > renvela (sevelamer carbonate) drug center > renvela (sevelamer carbonate) drug - patient how to take

In this Article

• What is sevelamer (Renvela)?
• What are the possible side effects of sevelamer (Renvela)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sevelamer (Renvela)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sevelamer (Renvela)?
• How should I take sevelamer (Renvela)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Renvela)?
• What happens if I overdose (Renvela)?
• What should I avoid while taking sevelamer (Renvela)?
• What other drugs will affect sevelamer (Renvela)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

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 (Renvela)?

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.