Sevelamer

Yes, Sevelamer can be taken with food. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets (based on individual needs) thrice daily. It is important to take it with meals because Sevelamer works by binding to phosphate from food. Take it exactly as advised by your doctor.

No, you should not crush, chew, or break Sevelamer into pieces. You should swallow it as a whole with water.

It is important to take Sevelamer as patients undergoing dialysis cannot control the phosphate levels in their blood, especially after a meal. When the level of phosphate exceeds above the range in the blood, it may cause problems such as itchy skin, red eyes, high blood pressure, bone pain, and also increase the risk of fractures. These increased serum phosphate levels are reduced by Sevelamer, as it binds phosphate from food in the digestive tract.

A common side effect of Sevelamer is constipation, though it does not occur in everyone. The other common side effects of the stomach and intestine include diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, and pain in the abdomen. Immediately consult your doctor if these side effects become severe and disturb you.

Patients who are allergic to Sevelamer and who have low levels of phosphate in blood should avoid taking Sevelamer. Additionally, patients having intestinal obstruction should also avoid using Sevelamer.

Ciprofloxacin may interfere with the working of Sevelamer and therefore it should not be taken at the same time as Sevelamer. However, if taken together then a gap of at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking Sevelamer should be maintained.

Continue taking Sevelamer as long as recommended by your doctor. Sevelamer lowers your dietary phosphate levels but does not cure your disease. Hence, you may have to take it lifelong, as stopping Sevelamer may increase your phosphate levels.

Yes, serum phosphate levels should be monitored regularly while you are taking Sevelamer. Also, the use of Sevelamer may decrease the levels of vitamin D, A, E, K, and folic acid and hence the levels need to be monitored during the treatment.