Sevelamer
Description
Sevelamer is a medicine that is used to treat Hyperphosphatemia (increased phosphate levels in the blood). It is mainly used in individuals on dialysis (an artificial way of eliminating waste and unwanted water from the blood) due to severe kidney problems. It works by preventing the absorption of phosphorus into your bloodstream.
Sevelamer may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, etc. These side effects may subside over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, consult your doctor.
Sevelamer should be taken with food in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Avoid taking more or less than the prescribed dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if it is near the next scheduled dose.
Sevelamer is not recommended if you have a bowel obstruction (partial or complete blockage of your intestine). Inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions such as kidney, liver, and heart problems. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Sevelamer
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Excessive air or gas in stomach
- Skin rash
Uses of Sevelamer
What is it prescribed for?
- Hyperphosphatemia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe onset of action of Sevelamer is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe duration of action of Sevelamer is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Sevelamer.
- Usage in pregnancy?Sevelamer should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Hence consult your doctor if you are pregnant to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known if Sevelamer passes into the breastmilk. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Sevelamer if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, etc.
Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction is a serious problem that happens when there is a blockage in your large or small intestine. Sevelamer is not recommended if you have bowel obstruction as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Sevelamer should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Hence consult your doctor if you are pregnant to understand the potential risks and benefits before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if Sevelamer passes into the breastmilk. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Kidney problem
Sevelamer should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as it may worsen your condition.
Use in children
Sevelamer is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Other medicines
Sevelamer may interact with other medicines and may cause undesired effects. Hence, inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose of Sevelamer as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
Overdose
Never take more than the recommended dose of Sevelamer. Seek emergency medical treatment if you suspect an overdose of Sevelamer.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Ciprofloxacin
Levothyroxine
Disease interactions
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is a condition in which you have difficulty swallowing. Sevelamer should be taken with caution if you have a swallowing disorder as it can cause swallowing difficulty that may require hospitalization.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Sevelamer as advised by the doctor. It should be taken with food to avoid any stomach discomfort. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed.
Inform the doctor if you have any gastrointestinal disorders.
Consume foods that have low phosphorous levels like White bread, cereals, rice, green peas, and green beans.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Sevelamer binds to phosphorus in your diet and prevents it from being absorbed into your bloodstream.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Phosphate binders
Schedule
Schedule H
Sevelamer: Medlineplus drug information (no date) MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: (Accessed: December 26, 2022).
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Renagel safely and effectively. see full prescribing information for Renagel. Renagel (sevelamer hydrochloride) tablet for oral use initial U.S. approval: 2000 (no date) U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. Available at: (Accessed: December 26, 2022).
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (2022) Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Available at: (Accessed: December 26, 2022).
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.