What is Sevelamer Carbonate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Sevelamer Carbonate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Renagel, Renvela, Sevelamer Carbonate

Generic Names:

  • Sevelamer Carbonate

Uses:

  • Lowers the amount of phosphorus in blood of patients receiving kidney dialysis.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Phosphate Binder

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Sevelamer Carbonate used for?

Sevelamer Carbonate is a phosphate binder drug used to treat patients with kidney disease who are on dialysis. This drug helps to lower high levels of phosphate in the body by attaching itself to the phosphate from food so that it can pass out your body. Reducing blood phosphate levels can minimize the risk of a stroke and heart disease. It also can keep your bones strong and healthy.

What form(s) does Sevelamer Carbonate come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Sevelamer Carbonate doses?

  • Tablet 800MG

  • Box 90 Packet

Common Sevelamer Carbonate prescriptions

  • Sevelamer Carbonate
    90 packet box

  • Sevelamer Carbonate
    800mg tablet

How to take Sevelamer Carbonate

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Oral liquid: Mix the entire contents of the packet with 2 tablespoons of water for the 0.4-gram dose or the 0.8-gram dose or 4 tablespoons of water for the 2.4-gram dose. Stir the mixture well just before you drink it. You should drink the medicine within 30 minutes of mixing it.

  • Your doctor may tell you to take vitamins D, E, and K and folic acid supplements during treatment with this medicine, especially if you are pregnant.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Mix the entire contents of the packet with 2 tablespoons of water for the 0.4-gram dose or the 0.8-gram dose or 4 tablespoons of water for the 2.4-gram dose. Stir the mixture well just before you drink it. You should drink the medicine within 30 minutes of mixing it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

  • Your doctor may tell you to take vitamins D, E, and K and folic acid supplements during treatment with this medicine, especially if you are pregnant.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Sevelamer Carbonate

Sevelamer Carbonate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sevelamer, or if you have a bowel blockage.

Sevelamer Carbonate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have problems swallowing, stomach or bowel problems (including chronic constipation), or had surgery on your digestive system.

  • This medicine may cause serious stomach or bowel problems, including blockage, bleeding, ulcers, colitis (severe diarrhea), necrosis, or perforation (tear or hole).

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning

  • Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Sevelamer Carbonate interactions

  • Take mycophenolate mofetil at least 2 hours before this medicine.

  • Some medicines can affect how sevelamer works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, levothyroxine, tacrolimus

  • If you are taking any other medicines, you may be asked to take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take sevelamer. If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Take ciprofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.

Sevelamer Carbonate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, chills

  • Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

  • Stomach pain, cramping, or burning

  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Red or black stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Passing gas, stomach upset