Sevelamer
Generic Renvela
Sevelamer (se VEL a mer) is a generic medication prescribed for high phosphate levels. Sevelamer belongs to a group of drugs called phosphate binders.
Sevelamer (se VEL a mer) is a generic medication prescribed for high phosphate levels. Sevelamer belongs to a group of drugs called phosphate binders.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 800mg
- • 90 Tablets
Dosage settings
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 18, 2023
Sevelamer (se VEL a mer) is a generic medication prescribed for high phosphate levels. Sevelamer belongs to a group of drugs called phosphate binders.
Side effects
Side effects of sevelamer
Sevelamer may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of sevelamer and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about sevelamer’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for sevelamer listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of sevelamer are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of sevelamer you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about sevelamer’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for sevelamer listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Sevelamer oral tablet’s and sevelamer powder for suspension’s mild side effects include:
- vomiting
- nausea
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for sevelamer” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of sevelamer are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of sevelamer you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about sevelamer’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for sevelamer listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, sevelamer’s serious side effects include:
- difficulty swallowing
- severe digestive system problems†, such as intestinal blockage and bleeding ulcer
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warning for sevelamer” section.
† These side effects weren’t reported in studies of sevelamer. But they have occurred in people since the drug was approved.
FAQ
Common questions about sevelamer
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about sevelamer.
What brand names are available for sevelamar?
Sevelamar is available as the brand name Renvela.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you would like to know more about brand-name or generic drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does sevelamer work? And how long does it take to start working?
Sevelamer works by binding to the phosphate in your stomach and intestines. How a drug works is called the mechanism of action. Sevelamer binds to the phosphate in your stomach and intestines and prevents it from getting absorbed into your blood, lowering your serum phosphate levels.
Sevelamer starts working immediately by binding to the phosphate in your stomach and intestines. It can lower serum phosphate levels within 2 weeks.
If you’d like to know more about how sevelamer works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of sevelamer
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as sevelamer for certain conditions. The approved use for sevelamer is described below.
Use for high phosphate levels
Doctors may prescribe sevelamer tablet, powder, or oral suspension for treating high phosphate levels. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 years and above. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
High phosphate (also known as phosphorus) levels are commonly seen in people with chronic kidney disease. When the kidneys do not remove extra phosphate from the blood, the phosphate causes low calcium levels. Low calcium levels lead to muscle, bone, and joint pain and skin rashes. It also weakens the bones, increasing your risk of fractures.
Sevelamer is prescribed together with kidney dialysis for managing high phosphate levels.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for sevelamer
Below, you’ll find information about sevelamer’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of sevelamer
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take sevelamer, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for sevelamer” section below.
Warnings for sevelamer
Some people should not take sevelamer, and others should take it cautiously.
Sevelamer could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether sevelamer is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for sevelamer, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Sevelamer can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to sevelamer or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe sevelamer. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to sevelamer, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of sevelamer
If you take sevelamer by mouth, you should not take more sevelamer than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much sevelamer, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and sevelamer
Information about sevelamer and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Sevelamer and pregnancy
There are risks to taking sevelamer during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having high phosphate levels while pregnant. (Keep in mind that sevelamer is used for treating high phosphate levels.)
For instance, sevelamer may cause low levels of folic acid and other vitamins in a pregnant person. However, they can prevent this by taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for high phosphate levels during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take sevelamer during pregnancy.
Sevelamer and breastfeeding
In general, sevelamer is considered safe to take while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about sevelamer or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What are my options if I am unable to afford my medication?
- What drug interactions should I avoid when taking sevelamer?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than others?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Sevelamer carbonate for oral suspension. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8ef0cb12-e9f6-4865-9158-02c8cc50a511/spl-doc
- Sevelamer carbonate tablets. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/4c927d50-34a6-499b-b1c2-924d4eb73987/spl-docL
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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