Causes of CKD *

The most common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Obesity

Inherited and congenital conditions

Stages of CKD

There are five stages of CKD, with Stage 1 being the mildest in terms of loss of kidney function and Stage 5 being the most severe. In order to determine the stage of kidney disease, your doctor will measure the level of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). As kidney function decreases, the GFR number decreases.

In most people, there are no real symptoms of CKD until the later stages of the disease. These symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• More or less frequent urination
• Increased tiredness or fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Changes in appetite or in the taste of food
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Feelings of drowsiness or trouble concentrating
• Sexual problems or decrease in sex drive

^*The safety and efficacy of Renvela in CKD patients not on dialysis have not been established

1. National Kidney foundation. KDOQI clinical practice guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42(suppl 3):S1-S201.

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.