You have a kidney problem that has caused your blood phosphate levels to increase, and your doctor has prescribed you a new medication to control it? The medication is a powder called Lanthanum Carbonate. To help you clear up any doubts or fears you may have about this, let's talk about it in detail and very simply. It's like talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is Lanthanum Carbonate?
Simply put, Lanthanum Carbonate is a binding agent . That is, when this medicine goes into your digestive system, it binds to the phosphate in the food you eat, reducing the absorption of that phosphate into the blood. You know, when the kidneys are not working properly, the phosphate doesn't get removed from the body properly. Then the phosphate levels in the blood just go up. This is not a good situation. This medicine helps to reduce that increased phosphate.
When you buy this medicine from the pharmacy, you will probably get it under the brand name `(Fosrenol)`. But sometimes it can come under other brand names as well. However, it contains the same active ingredient, Lanthanum Carbonate.
Remember, doctors may also prescribe this medication for other medical conditions, so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist exactly why you have been prescribed this medication.
What are the things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine?
Before you start using Lanthanum Carbonate, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have a blockage in your bowel : This means difficulty passing stool, such as a bowel obstruction.
- Constipation , which means that the stool is dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
- If you are scheduled to have an X-ray of your abdomen, as this medicine may affect the X-ray results.
- If you have ever had stomach bleeding before.
- If you have a condition called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) . Examples of this include conditions like `(Crohn's disease)` or `(Ulcerative Colitis)`.
- If you have other stomach or intestine problems .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Lanthanum Carbonate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
If you tell these things accurately, your doctor can decide whether this medication is right for you or if you need another option.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine is an oral powder. It is very important to take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, and follow the instructions on the prescription label.
- Take with food: This medicine should be taken with food . Imagine that you are taking this with your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is when this medicine will work best. This is because it needs to bind to the phosphate in the food. You can put the powder directly in your mouth and swallow it with a little water, or you can mix it with some food (for example, some yogurt, some applesauce). But do not try to dissolve this powder completely and drink it.
- Timing of taking other medications: If you are taking other medications, you may need to space out the time you take this lanthanum medication with the other medications. Some medications can interfere with the effects of one medication if taken at the same time. So, tell your pharmacist about all other medications you are taking and ask them when is the best time to take this medication.
- At the right time, in the right amount: Take the exact dose, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to take, or take it more often.
- Stopping: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . Read it carefully with each prescription and refill. It contains a lot of important information for you.
If giving this medicine to young children: If giving this medicine to young children, talk to a pediatrician about it and follow their instructions. Special care may be needed.
Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Most importantly: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Yes, it can happen. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double or extra doses.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Lanthanum can interact with some other medications. This means that when taken together with that medication, either the effectiveness of Lanthanum may be reduced, or the effectiveness of the other medication may be affected. Or the side effects may increase.
Lanthanum may interact with the following medications:
- Some types of antibiotics : For example, ampicillin, quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin), and tetracyclines.
- Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease .
- Some medications that are prescribed to lower cholesterol include: atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin.
- Levothyroxine : This is a medication given for thyroid problems.
- Medicines to treat malaria .
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you take (prescribed or over-the-counter), herbal remedies, and dietary supplements you use. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. These can also interact with your medicine.
What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?
While using Lanthanum, have regular check-ups as directed by your doctor. He or she may also order lab work to check your blood phosphate and calcium levels. Get them done regularly.
If your symptoms do not improve, or if new symptoms appear, tell your doctor immediately.
You may be asked to follow a special diet while taking this medicine, such as eating foods low in phosphate. Ask your doctor or dietitian about this.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Lanthanum can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects that should be reported to your doctor or healthcare professional immediately:
- Allergic reactions : Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Constipation : Especially if this is new or severe.
Side effects that usually do not require medical advice, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How do you store medicine?
This is also very important.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (15 and 30 degrees C / 59 and 86 degrees F).
- Protect from moisture.
- Throw away expired medications.
Take-Home Message
Okay, so from what we've discussed, I hope you've gained a better understanding of the medicine Lanthanum.
The main thing is that this medicine helps reduce the amount of harmful phosphate that accumulates in your blood due to your kidney disease. It should be taken exactly as the doctor says, with food.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any side effects while taking the medication, tell your doctor about it.
- Go for medical checkups on scheduled dates.
- If you have any questions, never be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
It is very important to use this medicine correctly to maintain your kidney health. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
` Lanthanum Carbonate, Phosphate, Kidney disease, Medicine, Side effects, Fosrenol
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