Sevelamer
About Sevelamer
Sevelamer is used to control high phosphate levels in the body (hyperphosphataemia) in adult patients on dialysis (a blood clearance technique), patients undergoing hemodialysis (using a blood filtration machine), and patients with chronic kidney disease. It is also used to prevent the development of bone disease along with other treatments like calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Sevelamer contains sevelamer, which works by binding phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing absorption. It effectively reduces excess phosphate levels in the blood, prevents the unsafe build-up of phosphate in your body and helps keep your bones strong.
Take Sevelamer exactly as directed by your doctor. The common side effects of Sevelamer are vomiting, upper abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Do not take Sevelamer if you are allergic to any of its components, have low levels of phosphate in the blood, or have a bowel obstruction. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Sevelamer. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to prevent any interactions/side effects.
Uses of Sevelamer
• Treatment of hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients: Used to lower high blood phosphate levels in adults undergoing haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
• Management of hyperphosphatemia in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients: Prescribed for patients with chronic renal disease who do not require dialysis but have elevated serum phosphorus levels (≥1.78 mmol/L).
• Prevention of bone disorders: Used in combination with calcium and vitamin D supplements to lower the risk of bone disease caused by high phosphate levels.
• Supports phosphate balance: Sevelamer helps to maintain a healthy balance of minerals in the blood when the kidneys are unable to filter phosphate properly.
Medicinal Benefits
Sevelamer belongs to a group of medications called phosphate binders which is used to controls hyperphosphataemia (high blood phosphate levels) in adult patients on dialysis (a blood clearance technique), patients undergoing hemodialysis (using a blood filtration machine) or peritoneal dialysis (where the fluid is pumped into the abdomen and an internal body membrane filters the blood), and patients with chronic kidney disease. Sevelamer contains Sevelamer, which works by binding phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing its absorption. This lowers the phosphate concentration in the body. It effectively reduces excess phosphate levels in the blood, prevents the unsafe buildup of phosphate in your body and helps keep your bones strong.
Directions for Use
- Take Sevelamer with food or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Check the label for directions and use as advised. Mix the recommended amount of powder using the dosing spoon in 30 mL of water, stir well, and drink it within 30 minutes.
- Do not store the dissolved mixture for later use. Avoid mixing the contents with very hot or cold liquids.
Side Effects of Sevelamer
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sevelamer if you are allergic to any of its components, have low levels of phosphate or have bowel obstruction. Inform your doctor if you have swallowing disorders, motility problems in the stomach or intestine, active bowel inflammation, or have undergone major surgery on your stomach or bowel. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Sevelamer. Talk to your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain, stomach or intestinal disorders, or blood in the stool, as these could be symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease caused by sevelamer crystals deposited in your bowel.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), immunosuppressive agents (mycophenolate), thyroid medications (levothyroxine), or proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have low levels of phosphate or bowel obstruction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Sevelamer. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionSevelamer is a Category C pregnancy medicine. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns; your doctor will prescribe you Sevelamer only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown if Sevelamer passes into breastmilk or affects the baby. Please consult your doctor before using Sevelamer if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
safe if prescribedSevelamer has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or operate any machinery.
Liver
cautionSevelamer should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment/liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
safe if prescribedSevelamer may be safe for patients with kidney problems. However, please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionSevelamer is not recommended for children below 6 years as its safety and effectiveness are not known.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, milk, unenriched corn, and rice cereals.
- Avoid or limit high-phosphorus foods that are high in additives (processed meats, instant puddings, sauces, spreadable cheeses, and beverage products).
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. This will help you clear out the extra phosphate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperphosphatemia: Hyperphosphatemia is defined as an increased phosphate level in the blood. This condition is often a complication of chronic kidney disease. Phosphate is an important electrolyte. It strengthens your bones and teeth and produces energy. When phosphate levels increase in the blood due to kidney impairment (the kidneys do not remove extra phosphate from the body), this can cause muscle problems and increase the risk of weak bones, heart attacks, and strokes. Symptoms may include itchy skin, red eyes, bone pain, and fractures.
FAQs
Sevelamer is used to control high phosphate levels in the body (hyperphosphataemia)‚ in adult patients on dialysis (a blood clearance technique), patients undergoing hemodialysis (using a blood filtration machine), and patients with chronic kidney disease. It is also used for the treatment of bone disease.
Sevelamer contains sevelamer, which binds to phosphate in the gut and reduces its absorption. This helps lower high phosphate levels in the blood and prevents their harmful build-up in the body.
Yes, constipation is a common side effect of Sevelamer. Consult your doctor if you have constipation, as it could be an early symptom of intestinal blockage.
Yes, serum phosphate levels should be monitored regularly while you are taking Sevelamer. The use of Sevelamer may decrease the levels of vitamin D, A, E, K, and folic acid, and hence, the levels need to be monitored during the treatment.
No, do not stop taking Sevelamer on your own. Taking Sevelamer is important to maintain phosphate levels and prevent calcification in the blood vessels. Consult your doctor if you consider stopping Sevelamer treatment.
The side effects of Sevelamer include diarrhoea, headache, stomach upset, and constipation. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Take Sevelamer for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. The dose and duration will depend on the response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking Sevelamer on your own.
Yes, Sevelamer can be taken with food as it works by binding to phosphate from food.
Sevelamer should be avoided by patients who are allergic to it and who have low phosphate levels in blood. Additionally, patients having intestinal obstruction should also avoid taking Sevelamer.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Sevelamer to avoid drug interactions.
