Question 1

What is Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

Sevelamer is a medication classified as a phosphate binder. It works by attaching to phosphorus, preventing the mineral from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

By binding to phosphorus, the medication allows it to be eliminated from the body as waste. This process helps maintain a balance of minerals without the medication itself being absorbed into the system.

Question 2

What is Sevelamer used for?

Accepted Answer

Sevelamer is used to treat hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease .

Question 3

How does Sevelamer work?

Accepted Answer

How Sevelamer Works

Sevelamer belongs to a class of medications known as phosphate binders. It is used to manage phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot effectively remove phosphorus from the blood, which can lead to serious health complications.

The medication works through the following process:

Binding in the Digestive Tract: Sevelamer is a polymer that is not absorbed by the body. When taken with meals, it stays within the stomach and intestines, where it attaches to the phosphorus found in food.

Blocking Absorption: By binding to the phosphorus, the medication prevents the mineral from passing through the intestinal walls and entering the bloodstream.

Elimination: The bound phosphorus remains trapped with the medication and is eventually passed out of the body through bowel movements.

By reducing the amount of phosphorus absorbed from the diet, sevelamer helps maintain a healthier balance of minerals. This process also helps prevent the body from pulling calcium out of the bones and reduces the risk of calcium deposits forming in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Question 4

What are the brand names for Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

Sevelamer is sold under the brand names Renagel and Renvela .

Question 5

What are the active ingredients in Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Sevelamer is sevelamer .

Question 6

What are the side effects of Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Sevelamer may include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Constipation

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 7

What drug class is Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

Sevelamer belongs to the phosphate binder drug class.

Question 8

What is the dosage of Sevelamer and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Sevelamer

Sevelamer is available as tablets or as a powder for oral suspension. It is important to take this medication exactly as directed by a healthcare provider, usually three times a day with meals.

Administration Instructions

Tablets: Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or break them, as they may expand if they are not swallowed whole.

Powder for Oral Suspension: Mix the powder with the amount of water specified by your doctor or the product instructions. Stir the mixture well and drink it immediately. If any powder remains in the cup after drinking, add a small amount of additional water, swirl, and drink it to ensure the full dose is taken. Do not use hot water to mix the powder.

Your doctor may also recommend a specific diet low in phosphorus while you are taking this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with a meal. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Question 9

Is Sevelamer safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of sevelamer use in pregnant women. Because the medication is not absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, it is not expected to reach the developing fetus directly.

However, sevelamer can bind to and decrease the absorption of certain nutrients that are vital for fetal development, including:

Folic acid

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider. They may monitor your vitamin levels or recommend supplements if sevelamer is necessary for your treatment.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether sevelamer passes into human breast milk. Because the drug is not absorbed into the mother's systemic circulation, it is unlikely to be present in breast milk or to pose a direct risk to a nursing infant.

As with pregnancy, the primary concern is the medication's potential effect on the mother's vitamin levels. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if sevelamer is appropriate while breastfeeding and to ensure adequate nutritional intake for both mother and child.

Question 10

What forms and strengths does Sevelamer come in?

Accepted Answer

Sevelamer is provided in two chemical formulations: sevelamer carbonate and sevelamer hydrochloride. Both types are intended for oral use and are typically taken with meals.

Sevelamer Carbonate

Tablets: These are oral tablets that should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken.

Powder for Oral Suspension: This form comes in individual packets. The powder must be mixed with a specific amount of water and stirred thoroughly before drinking.

Sevelamer Hydrochloride

Tablets: This formulation is available as oral tablets to be swallowed whole with meals.

Question 11

What is the FDA approval status of Sevelamer?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Sevelamer was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 as sevelamer hydrochloride. A second form, sevelamer carbonate, received FDA approval in 2007. It is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing dialysis.

Usage in Specific Populations

Sevelamer carbonate is approved for use in both adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. The medication is available by prescription only and comes in several forms, including oral tablets and powder for oral suspension.

Regulatory Safety Information

There are currently no boxed warnings or Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs required for sevelamer. However, regulatory labeling includes warnings regarding the potential for serious gastrointestinal events. These may include:

Bowel obstruction or perforation

Gastrointestinal tract inflammation or ulceration

Difficulty swallowing tablets

The FDA requires that these risks be documented in the prescribing information, particularly for patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders or major gastrointestinal surgery.

Question 12

What should I know about Sevelamer and cost?

Accepted Answer

Generic Availability

Sevelamer is available in generic form as both sevelamer carbonate and sevelamer hydrochloride. Generic versions are generally less expensive than the brand-name medications Renvela and Renagel.

Factors Influencing Cost

The amount you pay for sevelamer can vary based on several factors:

Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover sevelamer, but the cost depends on your plan's specific drug tier and copay requirements.

Formulation: Sevelamer is available as an oral tablet and as a powder for oral suspension. The price may differ between these two forms.

Pharmacy Pricing: Costs can vary between different retail pharmacies or mail-order services.

Sevelamer

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Brand Names

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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