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.
