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Compare Renvela vs. Renagel

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

  • Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
  • Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

  • Summary of Renvela vs. Renagel

    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

    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 Renvela vs. Renagel

    Indications for
    •High blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis
    Indications for
    •High phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis

  • Pros and Cons of Renvela vs. Renagel

    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
    •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 Renvela vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Feeling gassy (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vomiting (22%)
    •Nausea (20%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Indigestion (16%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Gas (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)

  • Warnings of Renvela vs. Renagel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blockage of your digestive tract
    •Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid
    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 Renvela vs. Renagel

    Learn more about Sevelamer carbonate
    Learn more about Sevelamer hydrochloride

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