Sevelamer Hcl

Before taking sevelamer, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood phosphorus levels, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, colitis, constipation, ulcers), stomach/intestinal surgeries, swallowing problems (dysphagia).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Sevelamer may interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs (including ciprofloxacin, mycophenolate, thyroid medications such as levothyroxine, among others) by making it more difficult for them to be absorbed by the stomach. Ask your pharmacist about the best times to take your other medications.

Your doctor may direct you to follow a special diet to help lower your blood phosphate levels. Follow the diet closely.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood phosphate, calcium, bicarbonate and chloride levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose unless you have just eaten. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily with meals. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. The dosage is based on your medical condition, any other medications you take to lower your phosphate levels, and your response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on body size.

If you are taking the powder form of this medication, check the manufacturer package directions for mixing with water, beverage, or food and taking it within 30 minutes. Follow the directions for the proper amount of water to use for your dose. Stir the mixture well and drink all of it. If the powder settles to the bottom of the cup, stir again right before drinking. You may also mix the powder with a small amount of food or beverage to take as part of a meal. If mixing with food or beverage, do not heat the powder or add to heated foods or liquids.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it 3 times a day with meals, or on the schedule given to you by your doctor.