Revlamer

The phosphate binding medication Sevelamer is used for preventing hyperphosphatemia in chronic renal failure patients. It differs from other phosphate binders because Revlamer binds itself with dietary phosphate and avoids its absorption when you take it along with meals. Revlamer has the ability to act like a sponge and absorbs phosphorous that develop from the foods you eat.

Revlamer is basically available as 400 mg or 800 mg film coated tablets containing Sevelamer hydrochloride on anhydrous basis. The inactive ingredients include stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, diacetylated monoglyceride and hypromellose. Make sure to store the drug away from heat and moisture. They should be kept only at room temperature. Revlamer should not be kept in the bathroom.

Sevelamer is basically used for preventing and treating extremely high levels of phosphate in those patients who are currently on dialysis for treating a serious kidney disease. The process of dialysis takes away some amount of phosphate from your blood but it does not remove an adequate amount for ensuring a balance of phosphate levels. When these levels come down, your bones will become stronger and an unsafe mineral build up in your body can be prevented. This can also bring down the risk of strokes and heart diseases. Revlamer functions by holding onto phosphate from your diet to enable it to get out from your body.

Revlamer maintains a control over levels of serum phosphorous without concerning much over metal or calcium accumulation. In fact, sevelamer is the first option considered for reducing phosphorous levels in patients with CKD or Chronic Kidney Disease who are on hemodialysis. Adult patients who are on stage 4 and 5 of chronic renal failure are treated using this drug. Revlamer can also be exercised in patients with major GI tract surgery, extreme gastrointestinal motility disorders, swallowing problems and dysphagia.

Revlamer must be orally consumed and the recommended dosage is three times every day along with meals or as per your doctor’s prescription. The typical dosage is dependent upon your current medical condition, your response or reaction to therapy and other drugs you could be possibly taking to bring down your levels of phosphate. If you are on the powdered form of Revlamer, stir the contents in a specific amount of water as stipulated and consume the mixture within thirty minutes of preparing it.

When any amount of powder settles at the glass’ bottom, stir it again before taking it. Using Revlamer regularly is important to derive complete benefits. Taking it at the same time every day will avoid chances of missing a dose. The usual beginning dose of Revlamer is one or maximum two 800 mg tablets or two to maximum four 400 mg tablets that are taken thrice every day with meals. If you have forgotten to take a dose of Revlamer, take it as soon as you remember. But when it is time for the next dose, do not take the skipped one. Taking extra doses can cause harmful results. If you believe you have taken a lot of this medication than recommended, get medical attention as soon as possible. The drug does not get absorbed by the body and therefore is not expected to result in life threatening symptoms.

You may need to seek emergency medical attention if you think you are experiencing uncomfortable side effects. Allergic reactions from taking Revlamer is possible and can probably result in breathing difficulties, rashes or hives on skin and swelling of throat, tongue, face and lips. Some of the serious side effects include constipation, extreme stomach pain, flu symptoms, body aches, chills and fever. 

Less serious problems that may arise while taking Revlamer include upset stomach, gas, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation or even diarrhea. Few other side effects include intestinal obstruction, fecal impaction, rash and pruritus. The drug has the ability to significantly bring down serum uric acid. However, this reduction is not associated with any detrimental effects but there are many benefits that can be incurred. Some of these include reduction in gout, uric acid nephrolithiasis and hyperuricemia.