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Compare Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

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

Key takeaways

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) are both medications used to manage conditions related to kidney health, but they work in different ways and treat different issues. Calcitriol is a vitamin D analog that helps raise blood calcium levels, making it useful for people with low calcium due to kidney or parathyroid problems. Sevelamer hydrochloride, on the other hand, is a phosphate binder used to lower high phosphate levels in adults with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Calcitriol is available in capsules and liquid form, while sevelamer hydrochloride comes as tablets taken with meals. Calcitriol can cause side effects like muscle weakness and upset stomach, and it interacts with many medications, such as certain antacids and diuretics. Sevelamer hydrochloride may cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues, and it can lower the absorption of vitamins D, E, K, and folic acid. Both medications are available as a generic.

  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
  • Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

  • Summary of Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Summary for Vitamin D analog
    Prescription only

    Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a form of vitamin D that's used to raise blood calcium levels; it's commonly used in people with kidney and parathyroid hormone problems. Side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol) are similar to the effects you can get when you take too much vitamin D, which includes muscle weakness, feeling tired or sleepy, or upset stomach. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) comes as capsules and a liquid that you take by mouth. It's available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    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 Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Indications for
    •Low calcium in people on dialysis
    •Secondary hyperparathyroidism in people not yet on dialysis
    •Low calcium in people with hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism
    Indications for
    •High phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis

  • Pros and Cons of Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analog
    Pros
    •First-choice treatment option for low calcium levels in people with hypoparathyroidism or severe kidney problems
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used in young children
    Cons
    •Need to get blood tests done often to check your calcium levels
    •Best to keep the amount of calcium you eat consistent (eat the same amount each day) while you're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
    •Can interact with a lot of medications, such as certain antacids, steroids, and diuretics
    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 Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for

    Early signs of high calcium levels:

    •Headache
    •Weakness
    •Feeling tired or sleepy
    •Upset stomach or stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Loss of appetite
    •Muscle pain
    •Bone pain
    •Dry mouth
    •Metallic taste
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Gas (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)

  • Warnings of Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose
    •Interactions with other medications
    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 Rocaltrol vs. Renagel

    Learn more about Calcitriol
    Learn more about Sevelamer hydrochloride

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