Important Safety Information

• Do not use Renvela if you have a history of bowel obstruction. • Talk to your doctor if you have had difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders; or if you have had digestive tract surgery or other digestive disorders, including severe constipation. View additional Important Safety Information.

Taking Renvela® Tablets or For Oral Suspension

Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate) is the only phosphate binder available in both tablet and powder (also called "oral suspension") dosing options.

There are two ways to take Renvela

Take Renvela with food and follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Renvela is the only phosphate binder available in both tablet and powder dosing options. Renvela may be prescribed as:

  • Three 800 milligram tablets taken three times a day as directed, with meals and snacks1,2; or
  • One 2.4 gram packet of powder taken three times a day with meals3

How do I know which dosing option is right for me?

Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about which Renvela dosing option is best for you. Speak with your doctor if you have had difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders; or if you have had digestive tract surgery or other digestive disorders, including severe constipation. Do not use Renvela if you have a history of bowel obstruction.

Can I take Renvela with other medications?

You should speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about other medicines and/or dietary supplements you may be taking.

Are there side effects from taking Renvela?

The most commonly reported side effects with Renvela include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence (excess gas), and constipation. These types of side effects are similar to those reported by patients taking other phosphate binders. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you think you may be having. Promptly contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, new or worsening constipation, or other severe intestinal symptoms while on Renvela.

How to prepare a 2.4 gram packet of Renvela powder

Talk to your healthcare provider about preparation of different doses.

  1. Measure a minimum of two ounces of water into a cup.
    (Note: 2 ounces = 4 tablespoons = ¼ measuring cup. Different amounts of water are needed based on the dose of Renvela powder prescribed by your healthcare provider.)
  2. Open the Renvela packet by tearing or cutting it along the top and pour the entire packet into the cup of water.
  3. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
    (Note: The powder does not dissolve, and the mixture will be cloudy.)
  4. Be sure to drink the entire mixture within 30 minutes and stir vigorously just before drinking.

Remember to take Renvela with kidney-friendly and low-phosphorus meals as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Information on Reimbursement

We’re committed to helping you get coverage for Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate) through RenassistSM.

Learn more

Renvela for Oral Suspension Video

For more information about Renvela powder and how to prepare it, watch this instructional video.

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Contact Us

Sanofi US
500 Kendall Street
Cambridge, MA 02142

Tel: 617-252-7500
Fax: 617-252-7600
Toll free: 800-847-0069

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Indication

Renvela is used to control phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis.

Important Safety Information

  • Do not use Renvela if you have a history of bowel obstruction.
  • Talk to your doctor if you have had difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders; or if you have had digestive tract surgery or other digestive disorders, including severe constipation.
  • The most frequently occurring side effects observed with Renvela tablets include nausea and vomiting.
  • Side effects with Renvela powder taken three times a day are similar to those reported for Renvela tablets
  • The most common side effects with Renagel, which contains the same active ingredient as Renvela, include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation.
  • Cases of itching, rash, fecal impaction and, less commonly, slow bowel activity, bowel obstruction, and bowel perforation have been reported.
  • Uncommon cases of difficulty swallowing the Renvela tablet have been reported. Talk to your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing medicines in tablet form. Renvela for oral suspension may be considered by your doctor if you have a history of difficulty swallowing.
  • Your doctor should monitor your bicarbonate and chloride blood levels.
  • Reduced vitamins D, E, K (clotting factors), and folic acid blood levels may be followed by your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor when taking Renvela with other medications.
  • Promptly contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, new or worsening constipation, or other severe intestinal symptoms while on Renvela.
  • Take Renvela with meals and adhere to your prescribed diet.

Please see full Prescribing Information (PDF).

References

  1. Delmez J, Block G, Robertson J, et al. A randomized, double-blind, crossover design study of sevelamer hydrochloride and sevelamer carbonate in patients on hemodialysis. Clin Nephrol. 2007;68:386-391.

  2. Data on file, Genzyme Corp.

  3. Renvela [package insert]. Cambridge, MA: Genzyme Corp; 2010.