Sign inBefore taking sevelamer
Before taking sevelamer make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have had any bowel disorders or bowel surgery.
- If you have been constipated for more than one week, with or without tummy discomfort and pain.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take sevelamer
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take your prescribed dose three times a day, with or immediately after each of your main meals, or as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will have told you how many tablets to take for each dose.
- Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew them.
- If you forget to take a dose, miss it out and take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- Follow carefully any special diet that you have been given by your doctor or dietician.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can sevelamer cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, abdominal pain, indigestion | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Rash, itching, flatulence (wind), and changes in blood pressure | If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store sevelamer
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Renagel®, Genzyme Ltd., electronic Medicines Compendium. Leaflet approved June 2007, accessed 8 May 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).