Both phosphorus and calcium are important minerals that can become out of balance when you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Phosphorus and calcium are found in many foods such as milk, cheese, nuts and meat. When the kidneys are healthy, phosphorus and calcium work together and stay in balance to keep bones and teeth strong.
But these two minerals often become unbalanced when the kidneys do not function properly. This imbalance can lead to calcification – which occurs when extra phosphorus and calcium clump together to form hard calcium deposits in the body. When these deposits build up in places like the heart, arteries, joints and lungs they can cause the tissues to harden. At times this condition is hard to detect. It can occur quickly and may lead to serious health problems. Calcification may contribute to heart disease and heart disease is the most serious problem resulting from CKD. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor phosphorus and calcium levels when you have CKD.
Genzyme Renvela
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.
Contact
Genzyme Corporation
500 Kendall Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
T: 800 847 0069
F: 617 252 7600
Genzyme Corporate
out of balance when you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Phosphorus and calcium are found in many foods such as milk, cheese, nuts and meat. When the kidneys are healthy, phosphorus and calcium work together and stay in balance to keep bones and teeth strong. 
harden. At times this condition is hard to detect. It can occur quickly and may lead to serious health problems. Calcification may contribute to heart disease and heart disease is the most serious problem resulting from CKD. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor phosphorus and calcium levels when you have CKD.
