Sevelamer

Dosage Forms Available

• Sevelamer can be taken orally (tablets or oral suspension powder).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Sevelamer is typically prescribed for adults, including geriatric patients. It may also be given to paediatric patients aged 6 and above.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in patients who have known allergies to either sevelamer carbonate or sevelamer hydrochloride. Patients with a bowel obstruction or severe constipation should not use Sevelamer. It is also contraindicated in patients with low blood phosphate levels (hypophosphatemia).

Other Medications to Avoid

• Sevelamer can interact with certain antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin), immunosuppressants (like mycophenolate), and thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Sevelamer may lead to complications such as severe constipation, bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding. If you suspect an overdose, consult your doctor immediately.

• If you miss a dose of Sevelamer, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up the doses.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary, generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water may help manage side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.

• Consuming smaller, frequent meals instead of large meals may help manage gastrointestinal side effects.

• Lying down or reducing physical activity may help manage abdominal pain.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Sevelamer does not typically affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. However, if you experience severe side effects like abdominal pain or nausea, it is advisable to avoid such activities until the symptoms subside.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Sevelamer is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy. Small amounts of Sevelamer might pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised for patients with a history of difficulty in swallowing, constipation, stomach/intestinal disorders or surgeries.

• Patients with a history of bowel obstruction or major GI surgery should exercise caution while taking Sevelamer.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• To manage chronic kidney disease effectively, restrict sodium intake by limiting processed and fast foods.

• Limit potassium intake by choosing fruits and vegetables that are not high in potassium like apples, berries, and bell peppers.

• Control phosphate intake by avoiding foods high in phosphate such as dairy products, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and cola drinks.