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| Pronunciation |
|
 (se
VEL a
mer) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Renagel® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Phosphate Binder |
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|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to sevelamer or any other part of the medicine.
- If you have low phosphate levels in your body or a blockage in the
gastrointestinal tract.
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|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine decreases high levels of phosphorus in the blood. High
phosphorus levels are usually caused by kidney failure. This medicine is for
people on dialysis.
|
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|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Sevelamer decreases absorption of phosphate through the
gastrointestinal tract. This lowers the level of phosphate in the
blood.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with food.
- Swallow tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Do not take sevelamer at the same time as other medicines. Take other
medicines 1 hour before or 3 hours after
sevelamer.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- If you have had a blocked intestine or intestinal movement problems
talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Changes in blood
pressure.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare
provider.
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|
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room
temperature.
|
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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