Sevelamer

Sevelamer 800 mg, 400 mg: Uses, Risks, and Key Facts

Sevelamer is a pharmaceutical drug used to treat hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood. This medication is specifically indicated for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are undergoing dialysis. Sevelamer works by binding to phosphorus in the gut and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream.

Key Facts About Sevelamer:

Generic Name: Sevelamer carbonate Brand Name: Renvela, Renagel Strengths: 400 mg, 800 mg capsules FDA Approval: Renagel (2000), Renvela (2010) Pregnancy Category: C Forms: Capsules (Renvela), tablets (Renagel)

Uses of Sevelamer: Sevelamer is used to control serum phosphorus levels in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis. It is part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach that includes dietary phosphate restriction and dialysis.

How Sevelamer Works: Sevelamer is a non-absorbed, non-calcium phosphate binder. It works by binding to dietary phosphate in the gut, thereby reducing phosphorus absorption. This leads to a decrease in serum phosphorus levels.

Administration and Dosage: The recommended starting dose is 800 mg (2 tablets of 400 mg) taken orally three times per day with meals. Doses should be adjusted based on serum phosphorus levels. The maximum daily dose is 14 grams (35 tablets of 400 mg).

Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects of sevelamer include:

• Gastrointestinal adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation
• Hyperchloridemia (elevated chloride levels in the blood)

Serious Adverse Effects: Sevelamer may cause rare but serious side effects, including:

• Intestinal obstruction and perforation
• Gastrointestinal tract injury
• Severe gastrointestinal bleeding
• Treatment-related worsening of phosphate levels

Interactions with Other Medications: Sevelamer may interact with certain medications, including:

• Thyroid medications (may require dose adjustment)
• Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, and magnesium)
• Bisphosphonates
• Seizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safe use of sevelamer during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate data on the excretion of sevelamer in human milk; therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended.

Special Populations:

• Sevelamer has not been studied in pediatric patients. Its safety and efficacy in this population are unknown.
• No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients based on age alone. However, age-related decreases in renal function should be considered.
• Sevelamer is contraindicated in patients with bowel obstruction, hypophosphatemia, and active gastrointestinal bleeding.

Buy Sevelamer Online: Sevelamer can be purchased online from various reputable pharmacies. Make sure to choose a licensed pharmacy and to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some common online pharmacies that sell sevelamer include:

• CanadaDrugs.com
• RXConnected.com
• CanadianPrescriptionDrugs.com
• NorthwestPharmacy.com

Price Comparison: The price of sevelamer varies depending on the dosage strength, quantity, and online pharmacy. 

Conclusion: Sevelamer is a valuable medication for controlling hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. It works by binding to dietary phosphate in the gut, reducing phosphorus absorption. While generally safe and effective, sevelamer can cause gastrointestinal adverse effects and interact with certain medications. Patients should carefully follow the guidance of a healthcare professional and monitor their serum phosphorus levels regularly. Sevelamer can be purchased online from reputable pharmacies, offering a convenient and often cost-effective option for obtaining this medication.

References:

1. Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) capsules. Prescribing information. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC.
2. Renagel (sevelamer hydrochloride) tablets. Prescribing information. Genzyme Corporation.
3. Locatelli F, Dimkovic N, Spasovski G, Fischer E. Sevelamer carbonate for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with CKD not on dialysis. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2012;27(3):1044-1051.
4. Ananthapanyasut W, Gavrilov V, Balakrishnan VS, et al. Cross-sectional comparison of the impact of calcium-based phosphate binders on coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int. 2010;78(2):135-142.

[Table: Sevelamer Tablets - Strengths and Packaging Information]

[Table: Sevelamer Tablets - Common Brand Names]

[Table: Sevelamer Tablets - Important Safety Information]