INTRODUCTION

RENECAR 800 TABLET contains Sevelamer which belongs to the group of medicines called Phosphate Binding Agents. It is used to control the serum phosphorous levels in patients with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. Renal failure is the most common cause of high phosphorous levels, as there is reduced filtration of inorganic phosphate, increasing its serum levels.

During treatment, your doctor might ask you to take certain tests to avoid any untoward side effects. Maintain the diet as advised by your doctor.

RENECAR 800 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients having low levels of phosphorus in the blood and bowel obstruction. RENECAR 800 TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have trouble swallowing, motility problems in stomach and bowel, and in those who have undergone major bowel surgery.

RENECAR 800 TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if your doctor finds it clearly necessary. It is unknown whether RENECAR 800 TABLET is excreted in breast milk and may affect your baby, so consult your doctor before taking it during breastfeeding.  RENECAR 800 TABLET is not intended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).

The most common side effects of taking RENECAR 800 TABLET are constipation, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, flatulence (gas), etc. Ask for your doctor’s advice if any of these worsen or doesn’t improve.

USES OF RENECAR 800 TABLET

• Used to control the serum phosphorous levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis

HOW RENECAR 800 TABLET WORKS

RENECAR 800 TABLET is a Chelating agent which helps in reducing the phosphorus levels in the blood by binding to the phosphate that enters the body with food and preventing its absorption.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take RENECAR 800 TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow it with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide an appropriate dose and duration of RENECAR 800 TABLET for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking RENECAR 800 TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RENECAR 800 TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea:

Take RENECAR 800 TABLET with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks, eat light, bland foods and avoid oily or sweet foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of liquids like water or fruit juice to maintain hydration. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to eat smaller meals in small breaks. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Indigestion:

Keep your head and shoulders raised up while sleeping so that stomach acid won’t come up. Do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep and avoid tea, coffee, cola, or alcohol. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Constipation:

Consume enough fiber rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, and drink ample amount of water. Exercise more regularly. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug–Drug Interactions:

Inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicines before taking RENECAR 800 TABLET:

• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (used in treating bacterial infections)
• ciclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (used to suppress the immune system)
• levothyroxine (used in treating low thyroid hormone levels)
• proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole (used to treat heartburn and reflux from stomach or food pipe)
• medicines used for heart rhythm problems (Ex. nicorandil, procainamide)
• medicines used for fits (Ex. phenytoin, carbamazepine)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of RENECAR 800 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep RENECAR 800 TABLET out of reach of children
• Store below 25°C

FAQs ABOUT RENECAR 800 TABLET

What is RENECAR 800 TABLET and why is it prescribed?

RENECAR 800 TABLET contains Sevelamer which belongs to the group of medicines called Phosphate Binding Agents. It is indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

Can I stop taking RENECAR 800 TABLET on my own?

You should not stop taking RENECAR 800 TABLET until your doctor advises you to. Taking RENECAR 800 TABLET is important to maintain an appropriate phosphate level in blood. Stopping RENECAR 800 TABLET may lead to consequences such as calcification in the blood vessels making it hard for your body to pump blood, itchy skin, red eyes, bone pain and fractures. If you wish to discontinue taking RENECAR 800 TABLET, contact your doctor first.

What other precautions shall I take while taking RENECAR 800 TABLET?

Due to either your kidney condition or your dialysis treatment you may have disturbed levels of calcium, vitamin A, E, K, D, folic acid and bicarbonates in blood. RENECAR 800 TABLET should be used with calcium supplements and vitamin D to prevent the development of bone disease. Your doctor might check these levels in your blood frequently.

Can RENECAR 800 TABLET be taken on an empty stomach?

It is suggested to take RENECAR 800 TABLET after your meal or with food. Avoid taking it empty stomach as it may cause undesired side effects. Consult with your doctor.

Is RENECAR 800 TABLET meant for use in children?

RENECAR 800 TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) as the safety and efficacy has not been established in this age group. Consult your child’s doctor for advice. The doctor will determine an appropriate dose or select a suitable alternative treatment for your child.

Is constipation a side effect of RENECAR 800 TABLET?

Constipation is a very common side effect of taking RENECAR 800 TABLET. It can also be an early symptom of a blockage in your intestine. In case you experience constipation, please inform your doctor immediately.

REFERENCES

1. Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. DiPiro, Terry L. Schwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Chronic Kidney Disease: Management of Complications. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth Edition. 2011. Page – 794.

2. Claudia Yuste, Evangelina Mérida, Eduardo Hernández, Ana García-Santiago, Yolanda Rodríguez, Teresa Muñoz, Gonzalo Jesús Gómez, Ángel Sevillano, Manuel Praga. Gastrointestinal complications induced by sevelamer crystals. Oxford Academy. Clinical Kidney Journal. April 2017. [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://academic.oup.com/ckj/article/10/4/539/3098419

3. Caroline M Perry, Greg L Plosker. Sevelamer carbonate: a review in hyperphosphataemia in adults with chronic kidney disease. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. May 2014. [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24811546/

4. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed Central. Sevelamer. [Revised in September 2022] [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sevelamer

5. Genzyme Ireland Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in June 2021] [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.472.pdf

6. Genzyme Ireland Ltd. Renvela Tablets (Sevelamer carbonate 800mg). [Revised in February 2022]. [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://www.sanofi.in/dam/jcr:c7b8bdab-5d5d-44ac-9617-1c8872d90fd3/Renvela%20Powder%20&%20Tabs%20PI%20rev%20Feb22.pdf

7. Dailymed. Sevelamer Hydrochloride. [Revised in June 2020] [Accessed on 12th July 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2cd6512f-0edd-4a30-a4fa-aa996038633c

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Serum Phosphorus Levels
• Serum Calcium
• Vitamin D