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Compare Hectorol vs. Renagel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
  • Hectorol (doxercalciferol)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

  • Summary of Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is a lab-made form of vitamin D2. It's a medication that's used to lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on dialysis. Hectorol (doxercalciferol) is available as lower-cost generic capsules and an injection through the vein (intravenous or IV). Side effects include infection, constipation, runny nose, and cough.

    Summary for Phosphate binder
    Prescription only

    Sevelamer hydrochloride, commonly known by its brand name Renagel, helps treat high phosphate levels in the blood (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis. This medication is a phosphate binder. It attaches to phosphate in food so it's not absorbed into your blood. Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth three times per day with meals. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This medication is available as a generic.

  • Indications of Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Indications for
    •High PTH levels (secondary parathyroidism) in adults with stage 3 or stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) - capsules only
    •High PTH levels in adults with CKD and on dialysis - capsules and IV injection
    Indications for
    •High phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis

  • Pros and Cons of Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    Pros
    •Capsules are taken once per day
    •Can help lower PTH levels
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as calcium- or vitamin-D containing products and digoxin (Lanoxin)
    •Risk of high calcium levels
    •Requires frequent lab monitoring
    Pros and Const for Phosphate binder
    Pros
    •Works well to lower phosphate levels
    •Taken by mouth
    •No effect on your calcium levels because it doesn't contain calcium
    Cons
    •Not a good choice for people who have trouble swallowing because you can't crush the tablet and there isn't a liquid available
    •Need to take three times per day with food
    •Can lower the levels of certain vitamins and minerals in the body

  • Common Side Effects of Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for

    Stage 3 or 4 CKD:

    •Infection (30%)
    •Constipation (26%)
    •Runny nose (22%)
    •Cough (19%)
    •Shortness of breath (19%)
    •"Pin and needles" feeling in arms or legs (15%)
    •Weakness (15%)

    CKD on dialysis:

    •Swelling (34%)
    •Not feeling well (28%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (21%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Shortness of breath (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Gas (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)

  • Warnings of Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood calcium levels
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Broken bones (fractures)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Problems with the digestive tract, such as blockage or damage
    •Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid

  • Prices with our coupons for Hectorol vs. Renagel

    Learn more about Hectorol
    Learn more about Sevelamer hydrochloride

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