Renagel and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Renagel 800mg and/or Equivalents | Renagel, Sevelamer Hydrochloride |
Renagel (sevelamer)
Renagel Description
The phosphate binding medication sevelamer is used for preventing hyperphosphatemia in chronic renal failure patients. It differs from other phosphate binders because the drug binds itself with dietary phosphate and avoids its absorption when you take it along with meals. Renagel has the ability to act like a sponge and absorbs phosphorous that develop from the foods you eat. Marketed by Genzyme under the trade names Renvela and Renagel, the therapy is not meant for patients with bowel constriction or hypophosphatemia.
Renagel is basically available as 400 mg or 800 mg film coated tablets containing sevelamer hydrochloride on anhydrous basis. The inactive ingredients include stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, diacetylated monoglyceride and hypromellose. Make sure to store the drug away from heat and moisture. They should be kept only at room temperature. The drug should not be kept in the bathroom.>/p>
Conditions treated by Renagel
Sevelamer is basically used for preventing and treating extremely high levels of phosphate in those patients who are currently on dialysis for treating a serious kidney disease. The process of dialysis takes away some amount of phosphate from your blood but it does not remove an adequate amount for ensuring a balance of phosphate levels. When these levels come down, your bones will become stronger and an unsafe mineral build up in your body can be prevented. This can also bring down the risk of strokes and heart diseases. The drug functions by holding onto phosphate from your diet to enable it to get out from your body.
Renagel maintains a control over levels of serum phosphorous without concerning much over metal or calcium accumulation. In fact, sevelamer is the first option considered for reducing phosphorous levels in patients with CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease who are on hemodialysis. Adult patients who are on stage 4 and 5 of chronic renal failure are treated using this drug. The drug can also be exercised in patients with major GI tract surgery, extreme gastrointestinal motility disorders, swallowing problems and dysphagia.
Renagel Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
Renagel must be orally consumed and the recommended dosage is three times every day along with meals or as per your doctor’s prescription. The typical dosage is dependent upon your current medical condition, your response or reaction to therapy and other drugs you could be possibly taking to bring down your levels of phosphate. If you are on the powdered form of Renagel, stir the contents in a specific amount of water as stipulated and consume the mixture within thirty minutes of preparing it.
When any amount of powder settles at the glass’ bottom, stir it again before taking it. Using the drug regularly is important to derive complete benefits. Taking it at the same time every day will avoid chances of missing a dose. The usual beginning dose of Renagel is one or maximum two 800 mg tablets or two to maximum four 400 mg tablets that are taken thrice every day with meals.
b.) Missing A Dose
If you have forgotten to take a dose of Renagel, take it as soon as you remember. But when it is time for the next dose, do not take the skipped one. Taking extra doses can cause harmful results.
c.) Overdosing
If you believe you have taken a lot of this medication than recommended, get medical attention as soon as possible. The drug does not get absorbed by the body and therefore is not expected to result in life threatening symptoms.
Renagel Warnings
You should avoid taking other drugs three hours after or one hour before taking Renagel since the drug has the ability to bind to other medicines and make them lose their effect. Renagel is a part of a holistic program to make it more effective. The drug is not considered effective when a suitable diet program is not accompanied with it. The drug should not be taken if you have an intestinal blockage or if phosphorous in your blood level is low resulting in hypophosphatemia. Renagel dose adjustments should be done if you have swallowing troubles or severe constipation or an intestinal digestive disorder or if you have had a recent intestinal surgery.
The effects of Renagel on unborn babies are not known and therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking this drug, you should inform your doctor. Similarly, sevelamer effects on new born babies through breast milk are also not established. Hence, it is imperative that breastfeeding mothers inform their doctors before taking the medication. Renagel tablets should not be broken or chewed or crushed. The tablets tend to become bigger when wet and swallowing will become difficult if your crush or break the pill.
Renagel Side Effects
You may need to seek emergency medical attention if you think you are experiencing uncomfortable side effects. Allergic reactions from taking Renagel is possible and can probably result in breathing difficulties, rashes or hives on skin and swelling of throat, tongue, face and lips. Some of the serious side effects include constipation, extreme stomach pain, flu symptoms, body aches, chills and fever. Less serious problems that may arise while taking Renagel include upset stomach, gas, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation or even diarrhea. Few other side effects include intestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, rash and pruritus. The drug has the ability to significantly bring down serum uric acid. However, this reduction is not associated with any detrimental effects but there are many benefits that can be incurred. Some of these include reduction in gout, uric acid nephrolithiasis and hyperuricemia.
Possible Drug Interactions With Renagel
Certain drugs can interact with the functioning of Renagel and if you are taking any of the following drugs, it is important that you inform your health care professional before taking the medication:
- Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Eltroxin (levothyroxine)
- Myfortic (mycophenolate)
- Cellcept (mycophenolate)
medication for heart rhythm and medications given for treating seizures. The drug can also interact with
You should stay away from the drug if you are allergic to sevelamer. You should also not take any mineral or calcium supplements while taking Renagel. Use supplements and medicines only as prescribed by your doctor.
If you have any questions about buying discount Renagel online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Renagel and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
