Renvela Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Renvela

Renvela may cause serious adverse reactions Contact your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms:

strong pain in the stomach which can signify an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract
dark, bloody or tar-like stools
flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or feeling cold, aching of the body
serious allergic reaction: rash or itchy skin, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat, or lips and trouble breathing

Common Side Effects of Renvela

stomach ache or pain
increase in flatulence (gas) or bloating
nauseousness
throwing up
diarrhea or constipation
joint aching
drowsiness
feeling itchy

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms continue or worsen.

Warnings & Recalls for Renvela

In June 2011, the FDA released a warning for the increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders while taking Renvela. This includes swallowing problems and blockage of the intestines which may cause severe constipation.Patients with the following should consult their doctor before using Renvela:

difficulty swallowing
any digestive disorders
bowel movement problems including severevconstipation
recent surgery on the intestines

To prevent serious health risks, do not take Renvela if you:

have low levels of phosphates (hypophosphatemia)
may have any obstructions in the intestines

Renvela and Pregnancy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Renvela as a pregnancy Category C medicine. It is unknown if Renvela could harm the fetus if taken during pregnancy nor if it may be passed through breast-milk to a nursing baby. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Renvela before starting treatment.

Renvela Interactions

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any other medicines or nutritional products. Renvela may attach to medicines and cause them to become less effective. Drugs which may be affected while using Renvela include but are not limited to:

ciproflaxin
levothyroxine
any medicines for treating a heart rythm
seizure treatments
calcium supplements
mineral replacements

Do not take any medicines one hour before or three hours after taking Renvela.

Renvela Treatment and Use

Renvela | Sevelamer Carbonate is a phosphate binder marketed by Sanofi-Aventis for preventing hypocalcemia, a condition in which high amounts of phosphate in the body cause a dangerous decrease in calcium levels.

Renvela was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October of 2007 for lowering levels of phosphorus in the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease who are being treated with dialysis.

How Does Renvela Work?

Renvela absorbs and binds to phosphorus found in foods eaten by the patient. Renvela travels through the digestive system along with the phosphorus and is later excreted instead of building up and increasing levels of phosphate.

How Should Renvela Be Taken?

Renvela comes in tablet and powder form to be taken by mouth along with a meal. Take Renvela as prescribed by your doctor.

Renvela tablets should not be broken or chewed. Swallow the pill whole with a full glass of water.

For taking Renvela powder, open the packet carefully and mix the contents with water. To use .8g Renvela, use no less than 1 ounce of water, and for the 2,4 g packet mix the powder with a minimum of 2 ounces of water. Stir and allow the powder to dissolve in the water completely. Take the mixture right away. Add more water and drink any solution that may have been left in the bottom of the glass.

To maximize benefits, follow all instructions given to you by your doctor including a particular diet which may have been recommended for treating your condition. See “Warnings and Recalls” tab for information about what to avoid while taking Renvela.

While taking Renvela, you may need to have your blood checked frequently to determine if the treament is working properly.

Other Names for Renvela

Brand name:

Renvela

Renagel

Generic name:

Sevelamer carbonate