Sevelamer is used to treat hyperphosphataemia (abnormally high level of phosphate in the blood) in individuals with long-term kidney disease who are on or not 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 this medicine together with food. 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 with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet.
If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, empty the contents of the sachet into a glass then add the specified volume of water. Stir to disperse the powder evenly in the water, then drink the solution immediately. Alternatively, the powder may be mixed with a small amount of food or beverage and consumed immediately. Do not heat the powder or mix it with heated foods or liquids.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
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 phosphorus levels in the blood)
- bowel obstruction
as Sevelamer may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- swallowing problems
- stomach and bowel movement problems e.g. severe constipation, retention of stomach contents, abnormal or irregular bowel motion
- active inflammatory bowel disease (group of diseases that cause long-term inflammation of the digestive tract)
- hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. electrolyte levels, thyroid function) may be done while you are being treated with Sevelamer. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Sevelamer may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- sudden swallowing difficulty or choking
- fast heartbeat, feeling very tired or weak, loss of appetite, confusion
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 transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole
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 may be helpful to discuss your diet with your doctor or dietitian about your intake of vitamins A, D, E, K, and folic acid (vitamin B9) while you are being treated with Sevelamer. 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.
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