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Home > Drug Category > Phosphate Removing Agent > Renagel and Equivalent

Renagel Information

Renagel (Sevelamer) is used to manage high blood phosphate levels, a condition called hyperphosphatemia, which is very common in people with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure who are on dialysis. Phosphate is made up mainly of the mineral phosphorus, which is an essential component of standard bone structure, cell metabolism, and cell function.

Phosphate is primarily excreted from the body by the kidneys. In individuals with severely impaired kidney function, the kidneys can't effectively filter out excess phosphate from the body, leading to hyperphosphatemia. This ultimately results in the buildup of phosphate in bones, causing serious complications such as renal osteodystrophy (bone disease). It also leads to calcification and hardening of the arteries and other blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sevelamer, which belongs to the drug class of phosphate binders (specifically, a non-calcium, non-aluminum polymeric anion-exchange resin), is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it works locally in the gastrointestinal tract by binding dietary phosphate; the positively charged polymer attracts and binds the negatively charged phosphate ions from food, forming an insoluble complex that simply passes out of the body in the stool. This mechanism prevents the body from absorbing excess phosphate, helping keep blood phosphate concentrations within a safer range and preventing some of the long-term complications of severe renal disease, specifically renal bone disease.

Renagel Side Effects

Like all medications, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some common mild side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, or heartburn. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Bowel obstruction with symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, abdominal swelling, difficulty passing stools, nausea, vomiting;
• Gastrointestinal perforation with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, and blood in the stools;
• Inflammation in the digestive system with symptoms such as pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, nausea, diarrhea;
• Low calcium levels with symptoms like muscle cramps, pain, and tingling sensations

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Renagel Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, other ingredients in Renagel, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as low calcium or bicarbonate levels;
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as bowel obstruction, swallowing difficulties, or inflammatory bowel disease

While you are taking this medication, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood calcium or bicarbonate levels and other parameters to ensure no adverse effects. While this medication can be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it can, however, deplete the blood levels of fat-soluble vitamins and folic acid in the body. Therefore, consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as you may need a vitamin supplement along with this medication. This medication is not safe for use in children younger than 6 years.

Certain medications, such as antibiotics or heart rhythm medications, should not be taken along with Renagel, due to the risk of severe drug interactions. Therefore, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal pills, that you are taking before using Renagel to prevent potential drug interactions. Take Renagel tablets with every meal, usually three times per day, as it is designed to bind the phosphate in the food you've just eaten. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break them, as the contents can expand and be challenging to swallow. Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the medication label. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Renagel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Renagel.