You should not take Renvela if you have a bowel obstruction.
Before taking Renvela, tell your doctor if you have severe constipation, a blockage in your intestines, a stomach or intestinal disorder, trouble swallowing, or if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.
Avoid taking any other medicines within 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take Renvela. Sevelamer can bind to other medications and make them less effective.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you are taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a heart rhythm medication, or a seizure medication.
Do not take calcium or other mineral supplements without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of calcium or mineral supplement your doctor recommends.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Renvela if you are allergic to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel obstruction.
To make sure Renvela is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
trouble swallowing;
severe constipation;
a blockage in your intestines;
slow digestion;
a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
if you have recently had stomach or intestinal surgery.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.
Taking Renvela while you are pregnant can lower your blood levels of certain vitamins or folic acid. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking vitamins or mineral supplements during pregnancy.
Because sevelamer is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby.
Renvela is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
How should I take Renvela?
Take Renvela exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Renvela with meals.
Renvela powder must be dissolved in water before you take it. The 0.8-gram packet should be mixed with at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water. The 2.4-gram packet should be mixed with at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) of water.
Stir the powder in water until it is completely dissolved. Stir and drink this mixture right away. To get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
While using sevelamer, you may need frequent blood tests.
Call your doctor if you have have trouble swallowing the tablet, or if it feels like it gets stuck in your esophagus after you swallow it.
Renvela may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
