Are you suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease? And are you undergoing dialysis? Then your doctor must have told you how important it is to control the phosphate level in your blood. So, one of the drugs that doctors often recommend to control this phosphate level is Sevelamer. Today, we will talk briefly about this drug, what it does to the body, how to use it, and what to be careful about.
What is Sevelamer? What does it actually do?
Simply put, Sevelamer is a special drug that binds phosphate in our intestines. Think of it like a sponge. This drug binds the phosphate in the food we eat before it is absorbed into our bodies. Then, the bound phosphate is passed out of the body in the stool.
Now you may be wondering why you need to stop absorbing this phosphate. Here's why. When your kidneys aren't working properly, they can't get rid of the extra phosphate that builds up in your body. Then the phosphate levels in your blood can become dangerously high. This can weaken your bones, cause heart disease, and cause other serious health problems. So this medicine works to reduce that risk.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have constipation (because this medicine can sometimes make it worse).
- If you have a blockage in your intestines or other stomach or intestine problems.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Sevelamer or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
By telling these things in advance, it will be easier for the doctor to give you the most suitable and safest treatment.
How should I use the medicine exactly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take with food: This is a medication that should be taken with a meal . That way, you can properly absorb the phosphate in the food.
- Shake well: If this is given to you as a liquid (oral suspension), don't forget to shake the bottle well before using it.
- Keep a gap with other medications: This is very important. If you are taking other medications, you may need to leave a gap of several hours between them. This is because Sevelamer can interfere with the absorption of other medications. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and ask them exactly how long you need to keep a gap.
- Take it on time: Take the prescribed dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
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.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Sevelamer can interact with some other medications. This means that it can interfere with the way those medications work. Below are some of the medications that can interact with it.
| Type of medicine | Note |
|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin | An antibiotic |
| Cyclosporine | An immune-suppressing drug |
| Mycophenolate | An immune-suppressing drug |
| Levothyroxine | A thyroid hormone medication |
| Tacrolimus | An immune-suppressing drug |
This is not a complete list, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and herbal teas).
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Sevelamer can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some of these can be serious and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Some are not so serious.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Constipation | Severe or new-onset constipation. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Gas | Air leakage. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach upset, vomiting. |
| Stomach pain | Abdominal pain. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
What else should you be concerned about?
- Regular check-ups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. It's important to see your progress.
- Blood tests: While taking this medication, you may be asked to have blood tests to check your phosphate levels and other things. Don't skip them.
- Vitamins: This medication may also reduce the absorption of some vitamins, so talk to your doctor about whether you need additional vitamins.
- Medicine storage: Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children, at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), and away from moisture. Do not use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Sevelamer is an important medication for kidney patients to control blood phosphate levels.
- This medicine should always be taken with a meal .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you experience any allergic symptoms or severe constipation, notify your doctor immediately .
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