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Sevelamer Carbonate Coupon - Sevelamer Carbonate 800mg tablet

sevelamer carbonate

Generic Renvela
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 13, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)?

What is Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) used for?

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

How Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) works

Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is a phosphate binder. It attaches to the phosphate (a nutrient) in your stomach that comes from food. This prevents phosphate from getting absorbed into the body and instead allows phosphate to leave the body. This lowers your blood phosphate levels to help protect your kidneys and bones.

Are you looking for information on sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRenvela
Drug ClassPhosphate binder
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) essentials

Health: Hypophosphatemia: man holding back in pain-1366934841

Renagel vs. Renvela: Which Is Better for High Phosphates?

Written by Cole D. Luty, PharmD, BCPS
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What are the side effects of Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Stomach or intestine problems: bowel blockage, bleeding ulcers, severe stomach pain, blood in your stool

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
  • Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

pharmacist

  • Take sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) with each meal of the day. Ask your provider if you need to take a dose with snacks too.

    • Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done during treatment with sevelamer carbonate (Renvela). Your provider will keep track of your kidney health and measure your phosphate levels. This is how your provider can see how well the medication is working for you.

      • Make sure to keep a healthy diet while taking sevelamer carbonate (Renvela). This includes avoiding foods that are high in phosphorous. Following this diet helps keep your phosphate levels low and your kidneys as healthy as possible. Speak to your provider or a nutritionist about the best diet plan for you.

        • Stomach side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion) are common with sevelamer carbonate (Renvela). You can try treatment options like over-the-counter bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help if your provider says it's safe to do so. Contact your provider if these side effects are too bothersome and aren't getting better with over-the-counter treatments.

          • Talk to your provider about other medications you're taking. Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) interacts with certain medications (e.g., ciprofloxacin (Cipro)), and your medications might need to be taken at a separate time.

            More tips for sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder for suspension

            • Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder for suspension is available as 0.8- and 2.4-gram packets. If your dose is 1.6 grams, you'll need to use two 0.8-gram packets.

              • Instructions for preparing the oral suspension: Measure out some water into a cup (1 ounce for 800 mg doses and 2 ounces for 2,400 mg doses). Add the sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder to the cup of water. Stir the mixture well; the mixture will be cloudy, and the powder won't completely dissolve. Drink all of the mixture within 30 minutes.

                • Instead of water, you can mix the sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder with a small amount of food or other drink. Take the mixture within 30 minutes. Don't mix with heated food or liquids or put the sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder in the microwave because the heat can damage the medication.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

                  Can you take sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) without food?
                  No, you have to take sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) with food. The medication works by attaching to the phosphate that's in the food you just ate so your body doesn't absorb it. This allows your body time to process the phosphate that's already in your body without absorbing more phosphate from food. As a result, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) helps lower your blood phosphate levels. The medication won't work if you take it on an empty stomach because there's no phosphate from food to attach to.
                  Can sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) be crushed?
                  The manufacturer doesn't specify if it's okay to crush sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) tablets. One study suggests that you might be able to crush the tablets if you're having trouble swallowing them. But, make sure to ask your provider first to see if that's the right option for you. They might prefer to switch you to the sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) powder that you can mix with food or a drink rather than have you crush the tablets.
                  Does sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) cause diarrhea?
                  Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect with sevelamer carbonate (Renvela). If you get diarrhea after starting sevelamer carbonate (Renvela), there are some over-the-counter treatment options that you can consider, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Ask your provider about the best options for you. Also, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking rehydration solutions like Pedialyte.
                  What's the difference between sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?
                  Renvela is sevelamer carbonate, while Renagel is sevelamer hydrochloride. These are different salt forms of the active ingredient sevelamer. Both medications work just as well as each other to lower blood phosphate levels in people with CKD on dialysis. But, there are some advantages of sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) over sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). While both medications are available as tablets, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is also available as a powder that can be mixed with food or drinks. This makes sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills. Additionally, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) doesn't cause as much acid buildup in the body as sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). Finally, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) can be used in children as young as 6 years old, whereas sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is only for adults. Speak with your provider or pharmacist about other similarities and differences between the two medications.
                  Is sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) over the counter?
                  No, you won't be able to find sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) over the counter. It's only available by prescription from your provider. In fact, all phosphate binders require a prescription from your provider.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)?

                  Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) 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-warning

                  Blockage of your digestive tract

                  • Risk factors: Swallowing problems | Changes to the anatomy of your digestive tract | Digestive tract problems, including severe constipation

                    Some people taking sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) have experienced digestive tract problems. These problems can include stomach or intestinal blockage, bleeding ulcers, and inflammation. If you have constipation or other digestive tract problems, ask your provider if sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is right for you. And if you have trouble swallowing, it might be safer to use the powder for suspension of instead of the tablets to prevent choking. Let your provider know right away if you have severe stomach pain, new or worsening constipation, blood in your stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or other severe intestinal (gut) symptoms while you're taking sevelamer carbonate (Renvela).

                    risk-warning

                    Low levels of vitamin D, E, and K and folic acid

                    Based on animal studies, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) might lower your absorption of certain vitamins (D, E, and K) and folic acid. Your provider might recommend that you take supplements to keep your vitamin levels healthy.

                    dosage

                    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 tablets of 800mg of Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is $30.19 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.75% off the average retail price of $246.42.
                    carton
                    Carton
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    90 packets of 0.8g powder1 carton$101.30$101.30
                    90 packets of 2.4g powder1 carton$101.30$101.30
                    packet
                    Packet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    0.8g30 packets$48.92$1.63
                    2.4g30 packets$48.92$1.63
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    800mg90 tablets$30.19$0.34

                    Typical dosing for Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)

                    The typical dose ranges from 800 mg to 2,400 mg by mouth three times daily with meals.

                    Your provider will adjust your dose based on whether you were previously taking a phosphate binder, your blood phosphate levels, and body size (for children).

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Renvela (brand)
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                    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) (generic)
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                    $30.19

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
                    Used for:

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

                    $30.19 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
                    Used for:
                    $71.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Calcium acetate
                    Used for:
                    $39.28 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) images

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                    This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "J 75".White Oval J 75 - Sevelamer Carbonate 800mg Tablet
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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk. (1989). 11 Fat-soluble vitamins. National Research Council (US) Committee on Diet and Health.

                    Genzyme Corporation. (2023). RENVELA- sevelamer carbonate powder, for suspension; sevelamer carbonate tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Goyal, R., et al. (2022). Hyperphosphatemia. StatPearls.

                    View All References (5)

                    Gupta, D., et al. (2018). Salts of therapeutic agents: Chemical, physiochemical, and biological considerations. Molecules: A Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry.

                    Lewis, J., L., III. (2022). Overview of phosphate's role in the body. Merck Manual.

                    National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                    Renvela. (n.d.). Renvela for oral suspension powder video.

                    Spilios, M., et al. (2021). Safety and feasibility of crushing sevelamer tablets for enteral feeding tube administration. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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