Lanthanum (Fosrenol) works well to lower phosphorus levels in the blood without affecting calcium levels in people with advanced kidney disease, but it can be expensive and you need to take it with meals.
High blood phosphate levels in advanced kidney disease
Lanthanum (Fosrenol) is a phosphate binder. It binds to the phosphates in your food before they can be absorbed, which lowers phosphorus levels to help protect your kidneys and bones.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Stomach pain
Incidence not known
Bloody, black, or tarry stools
bone pain
constipation, severe
difficulty having a bowel movement
itching, skin rash
loss of appetite
seizures
severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuous
vomiting, severe
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Headache
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Works as well as other phosphate binders to lower blood phosphate levels
Easy to take since lanthanum (Fosrenol) comes in powder form, and the tablet form can be crushed or chewed
Calcium-free, which means lanthanum (Fosrenol) doesn't come with the risk of high calcium levels like some other phosphate binders
Like other phosphate binders, lanthanum (Fosrenol) must be taken with meals.
More expensive than other phosphate binders
Not a good option for people with certain bowel disorders, serious liver disease, or who have trouble chewing or crushing tablets (tablet form only)
Take lanthanum (Fosrenol) with or right after meals so it can bind to the phosphorus in your food.
Crush or chew the tablet fully before swallowing. Swallowing a tablet that isn't fully chewed can cause bad stomach side effects.
Sprinkle the powder on applesauce or other soft foods right before eating it. Don't try to dissolve the powder in a liquid drink.
You can expect to have blood tests done more often when you first start lanthanum (Fosrenol) or when your dose changes. This will help your provider adjust your dose based on your phosphorus level.
Knowing which foods to avoid (like dairy products and certain meats) can help if you have high phosphate levels. Your provider will likely recommend you stick to a low phosphate diet.
Lanthanum (Fosrenol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: History of changes to your digestive tract's anatomy | History of digestive tract problems | Taking medications that can also cause blockage
Lanthanum (Fosrenol) can cause blockage of the stomach, intestines, or rectum, which can be very dangerous. The risk is higher if you have a history of changes to your digestive tract's anatomy, constipation problems, or are taking medications that can also cause blockage. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel more constipated that normal, have really bad belly pain, or feel extremely bloated.
Lanthanum (Fosrenol) can show up in an abdominal (stomach area) X-ray. Tell your provider or the technician beforehand that you're taking lanthanum (Fosrenol) since lanthanum (Fosrenol) can affect the X-ray results.
The typical daily dose is usually 1,500 mg by mouth, divided into separate doses, three times a day with meals. Your provider will adjust your dose based on the phosphorus level in your blood.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
High blood phosphate levels in advanced kidney disease
High phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving dialysis
High blood phosphate levels in people with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD)
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