Did your doctor tell you that your blood phosphate levels are too high because you have kidney disease? Did he prescribe you a special medication to control the condition? That medication is Lanthanum Carbonate. It is commonly known by the brand name Fosrenol. So, today we will talk about this very important medication, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a "binding agent," which means it grabs and binds something. Think of it like a magnet. When you eat food, before the phosphate in that food is absorbed from your intestines into your bloodstream, this lanthanum carbonate tablet goes in and grabs those phosphate particles and sticks to them. Then, this bound phosphate is passed out in your stool instead of being absorbed by your body.
When the kidneys fail, the body is unable to filter out unnecessary phosphate. This causes the phosphate level in the blood to rise significantly. This can lead to weak bones, joint pain, and damage to the heart and blood vessels. The doctor is prescribing this medicine to prevent this dangerous condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Blockage in the bowel or constipation | This medicine can sometimes cause constipation, which can worsen a condition that already exists. |
| If you are preparing for an abdominal X-ray examination | The contents of these pills may be visible on X-rays, which may affect the results of the test. |
| Stomach bleeding or intestinal diseases (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) | The doctor should be especially careful about using the drug under such conditions. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to lanthanum carbonate or anything else it contains. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication during pregnancy. |
| If the baby is breastfed | It is essential to seek medical advice about whether or not the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
The medicine should be used in the right way.
This is not like a regular pill, so it is very important to know exactly how to use it.
- Chew: This is a chewable tablet. Never swallow the tablet with water. The tablet should be placed in the mouth, chewed well, and completely crushed before swallowing.
- Take with food: Always take this medicine at the start of a meal or during a meal . This will help you absorb the phosphate from the food you eat.
- Keep a gap with other medications: If you are taking other medications (e.g. thyroid, high blood pressure medication), you may need to leave a gap of several hours between this pill and that medication. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and ask them about the exact times to take them.
- Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to: Even if you think your symptoms have subsided, don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else, even if your symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine or take too much?
If you miss a dose...
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
If you take too much medicine...
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Lanthanum carbonate can affect the effectiveness of some other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some antibiotics | Ampicillin, quinolones, tetracyclines |
| Medications for high blood pressure and heart disease | Specific medications prescribed by the doctor |
| Cholesterol-lowering medications | Atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin |
| Thyroid hormone medication | Levothyroxine |
| Medicine for malaria | Specific medications prescribed by the doctor |
This list is not exhaustive. Be sure to mention any vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, lanthanum carbonate can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are not serious, but some require immediate attention.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Constipation | It is important to notify your doctor if constipation occurs, as this can develop into a serious condition. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Stomach pain | Slight stomach pain may occur. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting may occur. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence may occur. |
Take-Home Message
- Lanthanum carbonate is not a pill that can be swallowed whole. It must be chewed and crushed before swallowing.
- Always take this medicine with meals .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Do not stop taking medication without medical advice.
- If you experience severe constipation or allergic symptoms (redness, swelling), call your doctor immediately.
- Visiting clinics and having blood tests (lab tests) performed on time is essential for the success of treatment.
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