Sevelamer is used to control phosphorous levels in the blood in patients with chronic kidney disease (gradual loss of kidney function over a period of months or years) on dialysis.
Take Sevelamer exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sevelamer is available as a tablet or powder for oral suspension.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, mix powder with water appropriate for the size of the sachet prior to administration. The contents of the sachet may also be mixed with a small amount of food or beverage (do not heat or add to heated foods or liquid). Consume immediately (or within 30 minutes) as part of a meal.
The dose of Sevelamer will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment regimen depending on your condition, response and tolerability to this medicine.
Sevelamer must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypophosphataemia (low phosphate levels in the blood)
- bowel obstruction
as Sevelamer may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following stomach and/or bowel diseases:
- swallowing disorders or history of swallowing disorders
- stomach and bowel movement problems e.g. severe or untreated stomach muscle disease, retention of stomach contents, abnormal or irregular bowel motion
- active inflammation of the bowel including serious complications e.g. ruptured bowel, bleeding in the stomach and/or bowel, ulceration (painful sores in the stomach or bowel)
- previous or recent major surgery on your stomach or bowel
- hypothyroidism (low activity of the thyroid gland)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery, inform your doctor that you are taking Sevelamer.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition (e.g. blood pressure) and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus levels in the blood) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Sevelamer may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, indigestion or stomach discomfort, stomach pain and stomach wind.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptom of an allergic reaction e.g. swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat with difficulty in breathing
- signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction e.g. severe bloating, inability to pass gas or stool, constipation
- signs and symptoms of ruptured bowel e.g. severe stomach pain, vomiting of blood, fever, chills
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate
- medicines for thyroid deficiency e.g. levothyroxine
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sevelamer.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
The oral suspension must be used within 30 minutes of reconstitution.
Sign Out
