Sevelamer

GENERIC NAME: SEVELAMER - ORAL (seh-VELL-uh-mer)

USES
Sevelamer is used to treat dialysis patients (with kidney disease) who have high phosphorus levels in their blood.

HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth usually 3 times daily with meals; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole; do not crush or chew this medicine. If you are using the capsule form of this drug, do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Do not take other oral medications within 1 hour before, or 3 hours after taking this medication. Doing so could decrease the effectiveness of the other drugs. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, vomiting, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occurs: dizziness, blurred vision. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: trouble breathing, unusually fast heartbeat, pain/redness/swelling in the lower legs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: low blood phosphorus levels, bowel obstruction. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: stomach problems (e.g., motility disorders), stomach/intestinal surgeries, swallowing problems (dysphagia), any allergies you may have. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use especially: calcium supplements. Sevelamer may interfere with the effectiveness of many drugs by decreasing the absorption of other drugs from the stomach. Consult your pharmacist about the best times to take your medication(s). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage is permitted between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C).

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.