Medication Summary
Sevelamer
Brand names: RenaGel, Renvela
Drug class: Phosphate Binder
Dosage form: Film Coated Tablet
What is this medication?
This medication is described in FDA/DailyMed prescribing information. No separate FDA Medication Guide was found for this label. This summary is based on FDA/DailyMed prescribing information.
What is this medication used for?
Sevelamer hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. The safety and efficacy of sevelamer hydrochloride tablets in CKD patients who are not on dialysis have not been studied.
What should I know before taking it?
Sevelamer hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with bowel obstruction. Sevelamer hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sevelamer hydrochloride or to any of the excipients.
What important warnings are listed?
Serious cases of dysphagia, bowel obstruction, bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers, colitis, ulceration, necrosis, and perforation have been associated with sevelamer use, some requiring hospitalization and surgery. (5.1)
How is this medication usually taken?
Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder. The recommended starting dose of sevelamer hydrochloride tablets is 800 to 1600 mg, which can be administered as one or two 800 mg sevelamer hydrochloride tablets or two to four 400 mg sevelamer hydrochloride tablets, with meals based on serum phosphorus level. Table 1 provides recommended starting doses of sevelamer hydrochloride tablets for patients not taking a phosphate binder. Table 1: Starting Dose for Dialysis Patients Not Taking a Phosphate Binder Serum Phosphorus Sevelamer Hydrochloride Tablets 800 mg Sevelamer Hydrochloride Tablets 400 mg >5.5 and <7.5 mg/dL 1 tablet three times daily with meals 2 tablets three times daily with meals ≥7.5.
What side effects are listed?
Patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, severe gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders, including severe constipation, or major GI tract surgery were not included in the sevelamer hydrochloride clinical studies. Dysphagia and esophageal tablet retention have been reported in association with use of sevelamer tablets, some requiring hospitalization and intervention. Consider using sevelamer suspension in patients with a history of swallowing disorders. Cases of bowel obstruction, bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers, colitis, ulceration, necrosis, and perforation have also been reported with sevelamer use [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Inflammatory disorders may resolve upon sevelamer.
What interactions are listed?
There are no empirical data on avoiding drug interactions between sevelamer hydrochloride and most concomitant oral drugs. For oral medication where a reduction in the bioavailability of that medication would have a clinically significant effect on its safety or efficacy (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus, levothyroxine), consider separation of the timing of the administration of the two drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The duration of separation depends upon the absorption characteristics of the medication concomitantly administered, such as the time to reach peak systemic levels and whether the drug is an immediate-release or an extended-release product. Where possible monitor.
Where can I find the official prescribing information?
Review the full prescribing information on DailyMed: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c13532a7-4c56-4084-839d-3dcfd4dc30f8
⚠️ Disclaimer
This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine. Read full medical disclaimer.