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SANOFI AVENTIS

RENAGEL (Sevelamer)

RENAGEL (Sevelamer)

Regular price $347.00 USD
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What is this medication?

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

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

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

How should I use this medication?

Take Renagel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.

Take Renagel tablets with meals.

While using Renagel, you may need frequent blood tests.

Call your doctor if you have have trouble swallowing the tablet, or if it feels like it gets stuck in your esophagus after you swallow it.

Renagel 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.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperphosphatemia of Renal Failure:

  • Initial Dosing for patients not on a phosphate binder: 800 mg to 1600 mg orally 3 times a day with meals

Based on serum phosphorus level:

  • Phosphorus greater than 5.5 to less than 7.5 mg/dL: 800 mg 3 times a day with meals
  • Phosphorus greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/dL: 1600 mg 3 times a day with meals
  • Titrate in increments of 800 mg 3 times a day at 2-week intervals with the goal of controlling serum phosphorus within target range.
  • Average prescribed dose: 7.2 g/day (2.4 g with each meal)
  • Maximum studied dose: 14 g per day (carbonate); 13 g per day (hydrochloride)

Switching from the hydrochloride salt to carbonate: Use the same dose, however further titration may be necessary to achieve desired phosphorus levels.

Switching from calcium acetate: Substitute approximately mg for mg

Comment: Treatment of hyperphosphatemia includes reduction in dietary intake of phosphate, inhibition of intestinal phosphate absorption with phosphate binders, and removal of phosphate with dialysis.

Use: To control serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

What 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.

How should I store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What to avoid when using Renagel?
You may be taking other medicines that should not be taken at the same time. Taking sevelamer can make it harder for your body to absorb certain drugs, making them less effective:
  • 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 using this medication?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Renagel:

  • hives;
  • difficulty breathing;
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Renagel and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • 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 Renagel 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 Renagel?

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.

  • certain medicines for HIV (such as ritonavir, atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, and saquinavir)
  • cobicistat-containing products
  • certain antifungals (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole)
  • certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin and telithromycin)
  • certain antidepressants (such as nefazodone)

Ryaltris and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

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