Renvela

The active ingredient in Renvela is sevelamer carbonate, which is a phosphate binder. The mechanism of action involves binding to phosphate from food in your stomach. Because of this, phosphate can exit the body rather than be absorbed. This helps lower phosphorus levels and prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

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 Renvela. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Renvela:

• Renvela should be taken with food.
• Before taking Renvela powder, it must be dissolved in water. Add at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water to the 0.8-gram package. Add at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of water to the 2.4-gram packet.
• In water, stir the powder until it dissolves completely. Stir and immediately drink this combination.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet or if it feels like it becomes lodged in your esophagus after swallowing, give your doctor a call.
• Renvela might only be a component of a comprehensive treatment plan that also calls for a particular diet. Following the food plan that your doctor or nutrition counselor has developed for you is crucial.

The most common adverse events with Renvela seen in clinical studies include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Indigestion or stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Severe constipation.
• Excessive gas.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Renvela. 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 reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Bowel obstruction: vomiting, loss of appetite, perforation, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing gas or having a bowel movement.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers and bleeding: vomiting blood or a brown substance that resembles coffee grounds, as well as bloody or black, tar-like feces.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Renvela. 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 Renvela, 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 if you have any of the following:

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
• Severe constipation.
• Flatulence.
• Delayed digestion.
• If you recently underwent intestinal or stomach surgery.
• If you have a bowel obstruction or are allergic to sevelamer, you should not take Renvela.
• Do not take any other medications for one hour before or three hours following the time you take Renvela. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.
• Do not take calcium or other mineral supplements without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of calcium or mineral supplement your doctor recommends.
• Your doctor should monitor bicarbonate and chloride blood levels.
• Reduced vitamins D, E, and K (clotting factors) and folic acid blood levels may be followed by your doctor.
• Renvela is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years of age.

Please inform your healthcare professional if you suffer from any of the following conditions, since Renvela will not be safe for you to consume.

• Blockage of the digestive tract.
• An allergy to sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) or sevelamer carbonate.

Renvela starts to work straight away. However, you need to take it with food for the medication to work efficiently.

When Renvela 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:

• Levothyroxine.
• Ciprofloxacin.
• Mycophenolate mofetil.
• Calcium or other mineral supplements.

The usual starting dose is one to three 800mg tablets taken orally three times a day with meals.

Your healthcare provider will change your dosage according to your blood phosphate levels, body size (for kids), and whether you have ever taken a phosphate binder.

For patients switching from calcium acetate to sevelamer, your doctor will determine the best daily dose for you and adjust as needed.

As soon as you remember to take a missed dose, do so. Take the missed dosage with food and if your next planned dose is almost here, skip the missed one. Never take more medication to make up for a missed dosage.

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

Sanofi Genzyme Company is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Renvela.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Renvela.

Renvela would have serious side effects such as blood vessel calcification if it were stopped. Consult your physician before discontinuing your Renvela treatment.

Renvela is not systemically absorbed after taking it by mouth and is not expected to have any effect on your unborn baby. However, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Renvela can decrease the levels of fat-soluble vitamins and folic acid in pregnant women and may require supplementation.

Renvela is not systemically absorbed after taking it by mouth and is not expected to have any effect on your breastfed baby. 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.