Renvela vs. Renagel for Kidney Disease and Hyperphosphatemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Sevelamer carbonate

(Renvela)

Sevelamer hydrochloride

(Renagel)

Summary for Renvela

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.

Indications for Renvela

High blood phosphate levels in people ages 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis

Pros and Cons for Renvela

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)

Common Side Effects for Renvela

Vomiting (22%)
Nausea (20%)
Diarrhea (19%)
Indigestion (16%)
Stomach pain (9%)
Feeling gassy (8%)
Constipation (8%)

Warnings for Renvela

Blockage of your digestive tract
Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid

Summary for Renagel

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 for Renagel

High phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis

Pros and Cons for Renagel

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