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Compare Renvela vs. PhosLo

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

Key takeaways

Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and calcium acetate (Phoslo) are both phosphate binders used to lower blood phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. Sevelamer carbonate is available as a tablet and a powder that can be mixed with food or drinks, making it a good option for those who have trouble swallowing pills. In contrast, calcium acetate is only available in pill form and needs to be swallowed whole. One key difference is that sevelamer carbonate does not increase calcium levels in the blood, while calcium acetate can cause high calcium levels causing serious side effects like confusion and bone pain. Sevelamer carbonate is approved for use in children as young as 6 years old, whereas calcium acetate is only approved for adults. Both medications must be taken with meals to work effectively and are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
    Calcium acetate
  • Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
    Calcium acetate

  • Summary of Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Summary for Phosphate binder
    Prescription only

    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is a medication that's used to lower blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It's common to have stomach side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, with this medication. Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is available as a tablet that's swallowed whole and as a powder that can be made into a liquid (suspension). Both formulations are available as lower-cost generics.

    Summary for Phosphate binder
    Prescription only

    Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder that's used to lower phosphate levels in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. The medication works by attaching to the phosphate from your meals so your body doesn't absorb the extra phosphate. Calcium acetate is taken by mouth with each meal you have. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and high calcium levels in the blood.

  • Indications of Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Indications for
    •High blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis
    Indications for
    •High blood phosphate levels in people with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD)

  • Pros and Cons of Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Pros and Const for Phosphate binder
    Pros
    •Works well to lower blood phosphate levels
    •Available as a powder that can be made into a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must take with meals for it to work
    •Not the first choice for people with swallowing or constipation problems
    •Might have interactions with some medications, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), that require specifically timed separation from sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
    Pros and Const for Phosphate binder
    Pros
    •Few side effects
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider if needed
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must take with each meal for it to work
    •Should avoid calcium-containing supplements and antacids because of risk for high calcium levels
    •Not approved for use in children

  • Common Side Effects of Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Feeling gassy (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •High calcium levels in the blood (16%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Vomiting (4%)

  • Warnings of Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blockage of your digestive tract
    •Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid
    Common Side Effects for
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Interaction with digoxin (Lanoxin)

  • Prices with our coupons for Renvela vs. PhosLo

    Learn more about Sevelamer carbonate
    Learn more about Calcium acetate

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