Key facts about Renagel
What is Renagel?
Renagel is the brand name for sevelamer hydrochloride oral tablets.
What dosages is Renagel available in?
Renagel is available as a 400 mg and 800 mg oral tablet.
What is Renagel used for?
Renagel is a phosphate binder used to treat high blood phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease on dialysis.
How does Renagel work?
Renagel is a phosphate binder. It binds to the phosphate in your food before it can be absorbed in your body. This lowers your blood phosphorus levels to help protect your kidneys and bones.
How do I take Renagel?
The typical starting dose is usually 800 mg to 1,600 mg by mouth three times daily with meals. Your provider will adjust your dose based on the phosphorus level in your blood.
Is it safe for me to take Renagel?
Renagel is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following.
- Bowel obstruction
- Known hypersensitivity to sevelamer hydrochloride or to any of the excipients
Renagel Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Renagel:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Feeling gassy
- Constipation
Renagel Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Renagel. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stomach issues or problems with your gut: Bowel blockage, bleeding ulcers, and perforation
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Renagel
The following medications may interact with Renagel:
- When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, consider separation of the timing of administration and/or monitor clinical responses or blood levels of the concomitant medication
- Sevelamer did not alter the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, enalapril, iron metoprolol and warfarin
- Sevelamer has demonstrated interaction with ciprofloxacin, and mycophenolate mofetil, and therefore these drugs should be dosed separately from Renagel
Who makes Renagel?
Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
Is Renagel safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Renagel will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking Renagel.
