Renagel

The active ingredient in Renagel is sevelamer hydrochloride. Renagel works by attaching to dietary phosphate while it is still in your digestive tract. This prevents phosphate from being taken into the bloodstream.

It is mostly utilized in dialysis patients with chronic renal disease because their kidneys are unable to properly eliminate phosphate. Renagel reduces phosphate levels, which helps avoid bone issues and calcium buildup in blood vessels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Renagel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Renagel:

• Take Renagel with meals.
• While taking Renagel, you may require frequent blood tests.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet or if it feels like it has been lodged in your esophagus after swallowing, contact your doctor.
• Renagel may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a particular diet. You should adhere to the food plan made for you by your doctor or nutrition counsellor. You should become quite familiar with the list of items that you must eat or avoid to manage your illness.
• If you take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), it should be taken at least 2 hours before you take sevelamer.
• Renagel should be used with other treatments, such as calcium or vitamin D supplements, to control the development of bone disease.

Some mild or common side effects of Renagel seen in clinical trials include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Indigestion (dyspepsia), gas (flatulence), or bloating.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Renagel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as a skin rash, hives, or swelling.
• Severe constipation with stomach pain.
• Decreased absorption of antiarrhythmic, fat-soluble vitamins, folic acid, and seizure medications. You should take these medications 1 hour before or 3 hours after Renagel.
• These are not all of the possible side effects of Renagel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Renagel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Swallowing problems.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Stomach or gastrointestinal problems, including blockages, slow digestion, bleeding, ulcers, colitis (severe diarrhea), severe constipation, or perforation (tear or hole)
• Recently had a stomach or intestinal surgery.

• Bowel obstruction.
• Hypersensitivity to sevelamer hydrochloride or sevelamer carbonate.

Renagel begins to work immediately after being taken with meals. However, the full effect on serum phosphate levels is often apparent after 1 to 2 weeks of constant treatment, once levels have stabilized and your doctor has adjusted the dose based on lab results.

When Renagel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ciprofloxacin.
• Levothyroxine.
• Mycophenolate mofetil.

This medication comes in the following dosage forms and strengths: 400 mg and 800 mg tablets.

The typical starting dose is 800 mg to 1,600 mg by mouth 3 times daily with meals. Your prescriber will decide what your starting dose is based on whether you were already taking a phosphate binder like Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) or calcium acetate and what your serum phosphorus levels are.

Your dose may be adjusted based on blood tests and if you are having serious side effects.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Sanofi is the company that manufactures Renagel.

There are several generic name versions available of Renagel.

You should not discontinue taking Renagel (sevelamer hydrochloride) without consulting your doctor first. Stopping abruptly can cause phosphate levels to rise again, potentially leading to bone and cardiac issues, particularly if you have chronic kidney illness.

Renagel is generally considered safe to use while pregnant. However, it can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients you and your unborn baby need.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.