sevelamer

What is the most important information I should know about sevelamer?

What is sevelamer?

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

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

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

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

To make sure sevelamer is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• trouble swallowing;
• severe constipation;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• slow digestion;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
• if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

Taking sevelamer while you are pregnant can lower your blood levels of certain vitamins or folic acid. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking vitamins or mineral supplements during pregnancy.

Because sevelamer is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby.

How should I take sevelamer?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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. Stir and drink this mixture right away. To get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

While using sevelamer, you may need frequent blood tests.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure to take the missed dose with food. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking sevelamer?

• ciprofloxacin (Cipro) should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take sevelamer;
• mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) should be taken at least 2 hours before you take sevelamer.

What are the possible side effects of sevelamer?

• choking, or trouble swallowing;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• severe constipation with stomach pain; or
• constipation that gets worse or does not clear up.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• upset stomach, gas, bloating;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• tired feeling;
• itching; or
• joint pain.

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 other drugs will affect sevelamer?

Other drugs may interact with sevelamer, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about sevelamer.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 10.02. Revision date: 12/7/2016.