Renagel Tablets

Generic Name: Sevelamer Hydrochloride
Product Name: Renagel Tablets

Indication

Renagel contains an active ingredient known as sevelamer hydrochloride. This medication is used to manage hyperphosphataemia , a condition caused by excessive dietary phosphorous being stored in your body as a result of chronic renal disease.

Action

• Renagel contains an active agent known as sevelamer hydrochloride, which bind to the excess dietary phosphorous stored in the body. In doing so, it acts to reduce the phosphorous level in blood, which is associated with end-stage renal disease.

Dose advice

• Your doctor will determine which dose is appropriate for your condition and how many tablets you need to take every day
• Your initial doses will most likely be 1-2 Renagel 800 mg tablets three times a day with your meal
• While on this medication you need regular monitoring by your doctor
• Continue taking this medicine for as long as directed by your doctor and follow all directions carefully

Important tips:

• You must not chew or crush your tablet before taking it.
• Store Renagel at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Exposure of the contents of this medication to moisture (water) makes them expand and hard to swallow.
• Before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter (OTC) and herbal medicines, ask your doctor
• If you are on other medications, take your medicines at least one hour before or three hours after Renagel tablets

For further information on the appropriate dose for your condition and if you are unsure or don’t understand the instructions on how to take your medicine, contact your medical practitioner for help.

Schedule

S4- Prescription required

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Flatulence
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation

These side effects are usually mild but if troublesome or cause any concern, contact your doctor.

Uncommon side effects

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Abdominal pain

If you experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips, tongue or face, stop the Renagel tablets and seek medical help.

References

1. MIMS Online. Renagel. [cited 2007 August 16]. Available from: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au
2. AMH Online. Renagel. [cited 2007 August 22]. Available from: http://forms.library.uwa.edu.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au/info-res/a/amh

For further information talk to your doctor.