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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.

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

• trouble swallowing;
• severe constipation;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
• if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sevelamer 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 sevelamer 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 sevelamer (Renagel, Renvela)?

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 sevelamer with meals.

Do not crush, chew, or break the sevelamer tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Sevelamer tablets expand when they are wet, and breaking or crushing the pill may make it harder to swallow.

Sevelamer powder must be dissolved in water before you take it. The 0.8-gram packet should be mixed with at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water. The 2.4-gram packet should be mixed with at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of water.

Stir the powder in water until it is completely dissolved. Drink all of this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Sevelamer may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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