The U.S. FDA approved Sevelamer to manage hyperphosphatemia on October 19, 2007. Sevelamer belongs to the medication class known as phosphate binders. 

Sevelamer used to manage hyperphosphatemia (high blood phosphate levels) in adult patients undergoing dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) and patients with chronic kidney disease who have elevated serum phosphorus levels. It should be used with other treatments, such as calcium supplements and vitamin D, to prevent bone disease.

Sevelamer Tablet: 

Take the Sevelamer as your physician advises. Take medicine at a fixed time. It is given based on the level of phosphate in the blood. Usually, it is given three times a day with food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not stop the medicine unless your doctor advises.

Sevelamer Powder: 

Take the Sevelamer as your physician advises. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. It is important to measure the correct dosage, mix it thoroughly in the water, and drink it. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not stop the medicine unless your doctor advises.

The most common side effects of Sevelamer are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, and constipation. Serious side effects while taking Sevelamer are intestine or bowel obstruction.

Do not consume Sevelamer if you are allergic to Sevelamer or any of its ingredients in the medication. Avoid consuming this medicine if you have low levels of phosphate and bowel obstruction. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. It  is not recommended for children under six years old due to the lack of studies on its safety and effectiveness in that age group. If your doctor has advised you about a sugar intolerance, please consult your doctor before taking this medication, as it contains lactose.

Before taking this medicine, notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Before starting treatment, let your doctor know if you have trouble swallowing or if your stomach and bowel have problems moving food. Also, inform your doctor if you currently have bowel inflammation or have had major stomach or bowel surgery.

Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 30°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Zentiva Pharma UK Limited; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on Aug 2019] [Accessed on 19th July 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8679.pdf
2. Genzyme Ireland Ltd; US Food and Drug Administration; [Revised on April 2019] [Accessed on 19th July 2023], label (fda.gov)
3. J. Goddard, A.N. Turner, Kid ney and urinary tract disease, Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 461-523.
4. Daniel D. Bikle, Agents That Affect Bone Mineral Homeostasis, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 772-791.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.