Sevelamer tablets and sachets

About sevelamer

People with severe kidney disease can have high levels of phosphate in the blood because their kidneys are not working properly. This excess phosphate can then be deposited in the body and can lead to complications. Sevelamer works by combining with the phosphates that are eaten in food. This reduces the overall amount of phosphate in the blood and helps to reduce the problems that it can cause.

Before taking sevelamer

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking sevelamer it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your digestive system works. For example, let your doctor know if you have any difficulties swallowing or if you think you could have a blockage in your bowel.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take sevelamer

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about sevelamer, and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• It is usual to take three doses daily. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets or sachets you need to take for each dose. This amount will depend upon how much phosphate is in your blood and will be adjusted to suit you.

• Take sevelamer with (or just after) each of your main meals.

• If you have been given tablets, do not chew or break them - swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

• If you have been given sachets, pour the powder from the sachet into a small (60 ml) glass of water and stir it in before you swallow. If you have been told to take more than one sachet for each dose, then do this for each sachet you take. Freshly prepare each dose - you should swallow the suspension within 30 minutes of making it.

• The powder can also be mixed with a small amount (100 g) of cold food (such as yoghurt) or juice (120 ml). Do not heat the mixture and do not add the powder to hot food or drinks.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, miss the dose out completely. Take your next dose with a meal at the usual time, and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You wil need some blood tests every couple of weeks or so to check the amount of phosphate in your body.

• Treatment with sevelamer is usually long-term, so continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.

• Remember to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or dietician. This will also help control the amount of phosphate in your body.

• There are two different brands of sevelamer available and it may not be appropriate for you to switch between them. Each time you collect a new supply from your pharmacy, check to see if it is the same brand as you have had before. If it is different, please discuss this with your pharmacist who will advise you.

Can sevelamer cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with sevelamer. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store sevelamer

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines