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Sevelamer Hydrochloride Coupon - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg tablet

sevelamer hydrochloride

Generic Renagel
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia
Used for Kidney Disease, Hyperphosphatemia

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 10, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?

What is Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) used for?

How Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) works

Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is a phosphate binder. It attaches to a nutrient called phosphate in your stomach. The medication prevents phosphate that's in the food you eat from getting absorbed into the body. This lowers the phosphate levels in your blood, which helps prevent additional problems with your kidneys and bones.

Are you looking for information on sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) instead?

Drug Facts

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

More on Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) 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 hydrochloride (Renagel)?

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%)
  • Gas (8%)
  • Constipation (8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Digestive tract problems: severe stomach pain, bowel blockage, bleeding ulcers, 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 hydrochloride (Renagel)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to lower phosphate levels

Taken by mouth

No effect on your calcium levels because it doesn't contain calcium

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

pharmacist

  • Take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) with each meal of the day. Ask your prescriber if you need to take the medication when you have snacks too.

    • Make sure to swallow the sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) tablet whole. Contact your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets so they can switch you to another medication that might be easier for you to take.

      • It's common to have side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion with sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). You can try treatment options like over-the-counter bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help if your healthcare professional says it's safe for you to. Talk with your care team if these side effects are too bothersome and if they don't get better with over-the-counter treatments.

        • Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your prescriber and to get any blood tests done during your treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). These blood tests measure your electrolyte levels, including your phosphate levels. This helps your prescriber keep track of your kidney health, see how well the medication is working, and make sure it's safe for you to take.

          • Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take with sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). They can help make sure your medications are safe to take together. Your care team can let you know if you need to separate when you take your medications to make sure they don't interfere with each other.

            • Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is typically safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding. But the medication can lower how much certain nutrients get absorbed into the body. Let your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) know that you're prescribed sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). They might recommend taking a supplement to keep your levels of these vitamins high, even if you're already taking a prenatal vitamin.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

              Can sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) be crushed?
              No, don't crush or cut sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) tablets. If you do, the medication inside can expand when it gets wet. This can raise the risk for choking. Also, it's hard to evenly split tablets that don't have a score line. This can lead you to take the wrong dose. Make sure to swallow the sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) tablets whole. Ask your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets. They can see whether switching you to the powder form of sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is right for you.
              Can you take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) if you're not on dialysis?
              Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is only FDA approved to treat high phosphate levels in people on dialysis. Studies show that sevelamer carbonate (Renvela), a medication similar to sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), might work well to lower phosphate levels in people not on dialysis. Speak with your kidney specialist (nephrologist) if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high phosphate levels. They'll discuss your options with you.
              Does sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) have calcium in it?
              No, sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) doesn't contain calcium. It makes sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) a good choice for people who have high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is a calcium-free alternative to another phosphate binder called calcium acetate (PhosLo).
              When is the best time to take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?
              There isn't a specific time of day that's best to take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). You can take the medication at any time of the day, but you should take it whenever you have meals (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner). This helps sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) work to attach to phosphate from food so your body doesn't absorb it and raise your phosphate levels. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have more questions about when to take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) each day.
              Do you take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) with food?
              Yes, you need to take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) three times per day with food. The purpose of taking the medication with food is for it to attach to phosphate from food. If you don't take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) with food, your body will absorb the phosphate from food and raise your phosphate levels. Talk to your prescriber if you have specific questions about taking sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) with food.
              Does sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) cause constipation?
              Yes, it's possible for sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) to cause constipation. Some tips you can try to help manage constipation include staying hydrated, choosing foods that are high in fiber, and trying over-the-counter medications to relieve this side effect. Talk to your primary care provider or prescriber if you need more relief or if your constipation becomes severe. Constipation can be a sign of a more serious stomach problem from sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), such as a stomach or intestinal blockage.
              Does sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) cause weight gain?
              No, weight gain isn't a typical side effect of sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). Talk to your primary care provider if you notice unexplained weight gain while you're taking this medication. They can help identify the cause.
              What's the difference between sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?
              Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) and sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) are phosphate binders. They work just as well as each other to lower phosphate levels in people with CKD on dialysis. But these two medications contain a different salt form of sevelamer. Renvela is sevelamer carbonate, while Renagel is sevelamer hydrochloride. Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is also approved for children as young as 6 years old, whereas sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is only for adults. In addition, sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) is an option for people who have trouble swallowing since there's a powder form of it that can be mixed with food. And sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) doesn't cause acid buildup in the blood like sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) potentially can. So sevelamer carbonate (Renvela) might be a safer choice for people at risk for metabolic acidosis. Speak with your prescriber or pharmacist about comparing between the two medications.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?

              Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) 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

              Problems with the digestive tract, such as blockage or damage

              • Risk factors: History of swallowing problems | History of changes to the anatomy of your digestive tract | History of digestive tract problems, including severe constipation | Taking medications that can also cause blockage in the digestive tract

                Some people who take sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) have had digestive tract problems. These problems can include stomach or intestinal blockage, bleeding ulcers, and inflammation. Some people might also have trouble swallowing.

                Ask your prescriber if sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is right for you if you have constipation or other digestive tract problems. Let your care team 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 this medication. These can be signs of serious digestive tract problems.

                risk-warning

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

                Based on animal studies, sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) might lower how well your body can absorb certain vitamins (D, E, and K) and folic acid. Your prescriber might recommend that you take supplements to keep your vitamin levels healthy.

                dosage

                Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) dosage forms

                The average cost for 90 tablets of 800mg of Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) is $71.24 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.41% off the average retail price of $565.85.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                400mg90 tablets$95.69$1.06
                800mg90 tablets$71.24$0.79

                Typical dosing for Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)

                The typical starting dose is 800 mg to 1,600 mg by mouth three times per day with meals. Your prescriber will decide what your starting dose is based on whether you were previously taking a different phosphate binder and what your phosphate levels are.

                As you continue treatment, your prescriber might adjust your dose depending on your phosphate levels and any bothersome side effects you have.

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                How much does Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) cost?

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                Renagel (brand)
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                Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) (generic)
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                contraindications-icon

                Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) 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 hydrochloride (Renagel) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Blockage in the digestive tract

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel)
                Used for:
                $71.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Sevelamer carbonate (Renvela)
                Used for:

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

                $33.67 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Calcium acetate
                Used for:
                $39.28 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) images

                White Oval Renagel 800 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Renagel 800".White Oval Renagel 800 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                White Oblong L 66 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "L 66".White Oblong L 66 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                Yellow Oblong G447 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                This medicine is Yellow, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "G447".Yellow Oblong G447 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                Yellow Oblong G447 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet
                This medicine is Yellow, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "G447".Yellow Oblong G447 - Sevelamer Hydrochloride 800mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                American Kidney Fund. (2024). High phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia).

                Fan, S., et al. (2009). A randomized, crossover design study of sevelamer carbonate powder and sevelamer hydrochloride tablets in chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.

                Genzyme Corporation. (2004). (LOGO) Renagel ® tablets (sevelamer hydrochloride) 400 and 80 mg. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

                View All References (11)

                Genzyme Corporation. (2023). Renagel- sevelamer hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Gupta, D., et al. (2018). Salts of therapeutic agents: Chemical, physicochemical, and biological considerations. Molecules.

                Ketteler, M., et al. (2008). Efficacy and tolerability of sevelamer carbonate in hyperphosphatemic patients who have chronic kidney disease and are not on dialysis. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

                Lewis, J. L., III. (2023). Overview of phosphate’s role in the body. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                MedlinePlus. (2017). Intestinal obstruction.

                MedlinePlus. (2023). Phosphorus blood test.

                National Kidney Foundation. (2023). Dialysis.

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

                Rout, P., et al. (2023). Hyperphosphatemia. StatPearls.

                Smith, D. A., et al. (2023). Bowel obstruction (archived). StatPearls.

                Winthrop U.S. (2024). Sevelamer hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                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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