Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Take this medicine with meals.

Follow carefully any diet program your doctor may recommend.

To use the oral liquid:

  • Pour the entire contents of the packet in an empty cup.
  • Mix the powder with 2 tablespoons of water for the 0.4-gram dose or the 0.8-gram dose or 4 tablespoons of water for the 2.4-gram dose.
  • Stir the mixture vigorously and drink it as soon as you can or within 30 minutes. Be sure to stir the mixture again before drinking if you decide to wait.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

If you are taking any other medicines, you may be asked to take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take sevelamer. If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.

Take mycophenolate mofetil at least 2 hours before this medicine.

Your doctor may tell you to take vitamins D, E, and K and folic acid supplements during treatment with this medicine, especially if you are pregnant.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For high phosphorus levels in the blood:
    • For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
      • For patients not taking a phosphate binder:
        • Renagel®:
          • Adults—At first, 800 to 1600 milligrams (mg) (1 to 2 tablets) three times a day with meals, depending on your blood phosphorus level. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
          • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
        • Renvela®:
          • Adults—At first, 800 to 1600 mg (1 to 2 tablets) or 0.8 to 1.6 grams (g) of powder for suspension three times a day with meals depending on your blood phosphorus level. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
          • Children 6 years of age and older—Dose is based on body surface area (BSA) and must be determined by your doctor:
            • 1.2 square meter (m2) or more of BSA—At first, 1.6 g of powder for suspension three times a day with meals depending on your blood phosphorus level. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
            • 0.75 to less than 1.2 m2 of BSA—At first, 0.8 g of powder for suspension three times a day with meals depending on your blood phosphorus level. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
          • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from Renagel® tablets to Renvela® powder for suspension or tablets:
        • Adults—Use the same dose in grams. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from calcium acetate to sevelamer, your doctor will determine the best dose for you and adjust as needed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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