About Hyperphosphatemia

Healthy kidneys filter the blood and remove excess fluid, minerals and waste products. When the kidneys do not work properly, they can no longer remove all of the waste products and maintain the fluid and chemical balance in the body. Minerals like phosphorus can build up. Too much phosphorus in the body is called hyperphosphatemia. Dialysis treatment and a low phosphorus diet are necessary to help reduce excess phosphorus. However, these may not be enough. For that reason, your doctor may also prescribe Renvela^® (sevelamer carbonate), a phosphate binder, to help remove the excess phosphorus that is in your body. Your doctor will measure and monitor your phosphorus levels frequently. The target level for phosphorus control for patients on dialysis is 3.5 to 5.5 mg/dL.

Important Treatment Considerations

Renvela^® (sevelamer carbonate) and Renagel^® (sevelamer hydrochloride) are used to control phosphorus levels in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on dialysis. Do not use sevelamer if you have very low phosphorus levels or a history of bowel obstruction. Talk to your doctor if you have had digestive tract surgery, or other digestive disorders including severe constipation. The most common side effects with sevelamer include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, constipation, and rash. In uncommon instances, patients have experienced bowel obstruction. Take sevelamer with meals and adhere to your prescribed diet. Speak to your doctor when taking sevelamer with other medications. Promptly contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, new or worsening constipation, or other severe intestinal symptoms while on sevelamer. For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Renvela, Full Prescribing Information for Renagel or call Genzyme Medical Information at 1-800-847-0069.