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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol)?

You should not use lanthanum carbonate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a bowel obstruction or severe constipation.

To make sure you can safely take lanthanum carbonate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• a stomach ulcer;
• ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• diabetes;
• any type of bowel obstruction; or
• a history of colon cancer or intestinal surgery.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using lanthanum carbonate.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether lanthanum carbonate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether lanthanum carbonate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take lanthanum carbonate with food or immediately after eating.

The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow the tablet whole.

While using lanthanum carbonate, you may need blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using lanthanum carbonate.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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