Sevelamer

What is this medication for?

Sevelamer works by binding to phosphates found in food. This reduces the absorption of phosphates from the stomach and intestines, and lowers the phosphate levels in the blood. Lowering the phosphate levels in the body can help to prevent the progression of bone disorders and other issues from kidney disease. 

Sevelamer is used as part of a complete treatment plan, which may include calcium supplements and vitamin D.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take this medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Take the medication with food. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
• It is important to follow any diet plans prescribed by your doctor.  

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to the next dose, skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have the following medical conditions:
  • Difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders
  • Bowel obstruction conditions
  • Major surgeries done on your digestive system
  • Severe constipation 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

The side effects for Sevelamer are usually mild and generally well tolerated. These include:

• Stomach discomfort
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating

These symptoms may occur but should get better over time. Check with your doctor if any of these symptoms are serious or do not go away. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here.

Other serious side effects include signs of gastrointestinal obstruction or bleeding such as:

• Black, tarry or bloody stools
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe bloating
• Severe difficulty swallowing

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

If you are taking Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) or Mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressant), you will need to take them 2 hours before taking Sevelamer.

Additionally, please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications, as they may interact with Sevelamer:

• Cyclosporine
• Levothyroxine
• Tacrolimus

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.