What is Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) and what is it used for?
Renvela 800 is a brand-name form of sevelamer carbonate. It is prescribed to treat high phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia) in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis. The medicine binds phosphate in the gut so less phosphate is absorbed into the bloodstream [1].
What does “800” mean on Renvela 800?
“800” refers to the tablet strength. Renvela tablets are labeled by milligram dose; Renvela 800 contains 800 mg of sevelamer (as sevelamer carbonate) per tablet [1].
How is Renvela 800 usually taken?
Renvela is generally taken by mouth with meals so it can bind dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract. The exact dosing schedule depends on your phosphate levels and your prescribed regimen [1].
What side effects do patients ask about?
Common side effects associated with sevelamer-based phosphate binders can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and constipation. As with other phosphate binders, clinicians also monitor for changes in lab values and tolerability during treatment [1].
Are there alternatives to Renvela 800?
Renvela is one option among phosphate binders used in CKD. Other binder classes and brands exist (for example, calcium-based binders and other non-calcium binders). Which option is best can depend on the patient’s calcium levels, product availability, dosing convenience, and safety profile as determined by the treating clinician.
Is Renvela still under patent, and who makes it?
For up-to-date patent and exclusivity details and the current company/filing landscape, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful reference for tracking Renvela (sevelamer) patent status and related filings [2].
Sources
- https://www.drugs.com/renvela.html
- https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/