Sevcar 400mg Tablet 10'S

Introduction About SEVCAR 400MG TABLET

SEVCAR 400MG 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 management, your doctor might ask you to take certain tests to avoid any untoward side effects. Follow the diet as advised by your doctor.

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with low levels of phosphorus in the blood or bowel obstruction. SEVCAR 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who have trouble swallowing, motility problems in the stomach and bowel, and in those who have undergone major bowel surgery.

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if your doctor finds it clearly necessary. It is unknown whether SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is excreted in breast milk and may affect your baby, so consult your doctor before taking it during breastfeeding.  SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is not intended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years of age).

The most common side effects of taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET are constipation, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence (gas), etc. Ask for your doctor’s advice if any of these worsen or don’t improve.

Uses Of SEVCAR 400MG TABLET

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

How SEVCAR 400MG TABLET Works

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is a chelating agent that helps in reducing the phosphorus levels in the blood by binding to the phosphate that enters the body with food and managing its absorption.

How to use SEVCAR 400MG TABLET

Take SEVCAR 400MG 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 SEVCAR 400MG TABLET for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not stop taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Of SEVCAR 400MG TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation

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

Diarrhea

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

Indigestion

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

Nausea And Vomiting

Take SEVCAR 400MG TABLET with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil-rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Stomach Pain

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

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if your doctor finds it clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

It is unknown whether SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is excreted in breast milk and may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET does not impair your ability to drive or use machines.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take SEVCAR 400MG TABLET if you are allergic to Sevelamer or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

There are no special considerations when SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is given to elderly patients. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicines before taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET:

• antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (medicines used to manage bacterial infections)
• ciclosporin, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil (used to suppress the immune system)
• levothyroxine (used in managing low thyroid hormone levels)
• proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole (used to manage heartburn and reflux from the 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 takes too much of SEVCAR 400MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. 

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep SEVCAR 400MG TABLET out of reach of children
• Store below 25°C

FAQs About SEVCAR 400MG TABLET

Q: What is SEVCAR 400MG TABLET and why is it prescribed?

A: SEVCAR 400MG 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.

Q: Can I stop taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET on my own?

A: You should not stop taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET until your doctor advises you to. Taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is important to maintain an appropriate phosphate level in the blood. Stopping SEVCAR 400MG 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 SEVCAR 400MG TABLET, contact your doctor first.

Q: What other precautions shall I take while taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET?

A: Due to either your kidney condition or your dialysis management, you may have disturbed levels of calcium, vitamin A, E, K, D, folic acid, and bicarbonates in your blood. SEVCAR 400MG TABLET should be used with calcium supplements and vitamin D to manage the development of bone disease. Your doctor might check these levels in your blood frequently.

Q: Can SEVCAR 400MG TABLET be taken on an empty stomach?

A: It is suggested to take SEVCAR 400MG TABLET after your meal or with food. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as it may cause unwanted side effects. Consult with your doctor.

Q: Is SEVCAR 400MG TABLET meant for use with children?

A: SEVCAR 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) as the safety and efficacy have 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 management for your child.

Q: Is constipation a side effect of SEVCAR 400MG TABLET?

A: Constipation is a very common side effect of taking SEVCAR 400MG TABLET. It can also be an early symptom of a blockage in your intestine. If 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 23rd February 2024] 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 23rd February 2024] 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 23rd February 2024] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sevelamer

5. Genzyme Ireland Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in June 2021] [Accessed on 23rd February 2024] 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 23rd February 2024] 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 23rd February 2024] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2cd6512f-0edd-4a30-a4fa-aa996038633c

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Kidney Profile (Kft) With Electrolytes
• Kidney Function Test (KFT)
• Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy
• 25 Oh Vitamin D (Total) (D2+D3)
• Creatinine, Serum
• Blood Urea
• Uric Acid, Serum
• Albumin, Serum
• Potassium, Serum
• Bun Urea Nitrogen, Serum
• Microalbumin, Urine Spot
• Advanced Renal Profile

Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Pushpraj Singh - MBBS

Last updated on 23 Feb 2024 | 05:38 PM(IST)