Sevelamer carbonate belongs to the class of medications called phosphate binders. Phosphate is made up mostly of the mineral phosphorus, which is an important component of normal bone structure, cell metabolism, and cell function.

In the body, the kidneys help keep the amount of phosphorus in the blood at a relatively constant level. For people with kidney problems, as their kidney function decreases, less phosphorus is removed from the body, potentially leading to a condition known as hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels in the blood). High levels of phosphorus in the blood can lead to problems with the strength and structure of bones. This condition is known as renal osteodystrophy.

When taken with meals, sevelamer carbonate prevents the absorption of phosphates from food by binding to the phosphate. It is used specifically to control high levels of phosphate (and therefore phosphorus) in the blood of people with severe kidney disease, known as end stage renal disease (ESRD), who are receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The dose of sevelamer carbonate depends on the amount of phosphorus that is present in the blood. The starting dose for adults can range from 2.4 g to 4.8 g each day. Total daily doses of sevelamer carbonate are usually divided according to meal portions where higher doses of sevelamer carbonate are given with larger meals.

The usual starting dose of sevelamer for children is based on body size. Your doctor will determine your child's dose based on your child's size and phosphorus level.

Your doctor may gradually increase the total daily dose of sevelamer carbonate according to the phosphorus level in your blood. Sevelamer carbonate should be taken immediately before meals or with meals. Do not bite, chew, or break apart the tablet before swallowing.

If you are using sevelamer powder, the contents of the sachet should be emptied into a cup and mixed thoroughly with water, another cold beverage, or soft food. The food or drink should be consumed within 30 minutes of preparing the medication. After opening a sachet, discard any remaining powder after 24 hours.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture and heat, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Each white, oval, film-coated tablet, debossed with "SVL" on one side, contains 800 mg of sevelamer carbonate on an anhydrous basis. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, silica (colloidal anhydrous), zinc stearate; coating: hypromellose and diacetylated monoglycerides.

Do not take sevelamer carbonate if you:

• are allergic to sevelamer carbonate or any ingredients of the medication
• have a bowel obstruction
• have digestive system problems, such as ulcerative colitis, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding
• have low levels of phosphorus in your blood

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• constipation
• diarrhea
• heartburn or indigestion
• gas
• itchiness
• nausea
• rash
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• blood in the stool
• difficulty swallowing
• signs of diverticulitis (e.g., pain in the left lower abdomen, fever, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)
• signs of inflammation in the digestive system (e.g., pain in the lower left abdomen, fever, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, lips, or throat)
• signs of a blockage in the digestive system (e.g., abdominal cramping, gas pain, nausea, vomiting after meals, excessive burping)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Gastrointestinal disorders: If you have gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., dysphagia [difficulty swallowing], severe disorders of movement in the gastrointestinal tract [i.e., the esophagus, stomach, and bowel]) or you have had major gastrointestinal surgery, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation or difficulty swallowing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Low calcium: People with kidney disease may develop a condition called hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood). While you are taking this medication, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood calcium levels. If you experience signs or symptoms of low blood calcium levels, such as muscle cramping or ache, dry skin or a feeling of pins and needles in your fingers, lips, tongue, or feet, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if sevelamer carbonate passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 6 years of age.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.