What is Fosrenol?
Fosrenol is a prescription medicine used in people with end stage renal disease (ESRD) to lower the amount of phosphate in the blood.
What is the most important information I should know about Fosrenol?
Fosrenol may cause a bowel blockage, a hole in the bowel or severe constipation, which can be serious, and sometimes lead to surgery or treatment in a hospital.
- You may have a higher risk of bowel blockage, a hole in the bowel or severe constipation if you take Fosrenol and have:
- a history of surgery, ulcers or cancer in the stomach or bowel
- a history of bowel blockage, or problems resulting in a decreased movement of food through your stomach and bowel (e.g. feeling full quickly after eating or constipation)
- an infection or inflammation of the stomach/bowel (peritonitis)
Do not swallow Fosrenol Chewable Tablets whole. Chew tablets completely before swallowing. If you can not chew tablets completely, you may crush the tablets thoroughly before swallowing or discuss the oral powder formulation with your healthcare provider.
Who should not take Fosrenol?
Do not take Fosrenol if you:
- have blocked bowels
- have severe constipation
Fosrenol has not been studied in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Fosrenol?
Fosrenol may not be right for you. Before starting Fosrenol, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have a history of surgery, ulcers or cancer in the stomach or bowel
- have a history of a bowel blockage, constipation, or problems resulting in a decreased movement of food through your stomach and bowel especially if you also have diabetes
- have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or an infection or inflammation of the stomach/bowel (peritonitis)
- plan to have an X-ray of your stomach (abdomen)
- have any other medical conditions
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
- antacids
- antibiotics
- thyroid medicine
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take Fosrenol?
- Take Fosrenol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Fosrenol to take
- Your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed
- Chewable Tablets - Do not swallow tablets whole. Chew tablets completely before swallowing. If you cannot chew tablets completely, or if you have tooth disease, you may crush the tablets thoroughly before swallowing or discuss the oral powder formulation with your healthcare provider.
- Oral Powder – Sprinkle powder on a small quantity of applesauce or other similar food. Consume the entire dose immediately. Fosrenol Oral Powder will not dissolve in liquid.
- Take Fosrenol with or right after meals
- If you take an antacid medicine, take the antacid 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Fosrenol
- If you take medicine for your thyroid (levothyroxine), take the thyroid medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Fosrenol
- If you take an antibiotic medicine, take the antibiotic 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take Fosrenol
What are the possible side effects of Fosrenol?
See "What is the most important information I should know about Fosrenol?"
The most common side effects of Fosrenol include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the side effects of Fosrenol. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Fosrenol Images
General information about the safe and effective use of Fosrenol
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Fosrenol for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Fosrenol to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Fosrenol. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Fosrenol that is written for healthcare professionals.
For more information go to www.FOSRENOL.com or call 1-800-828-2088.
How should I store Fosrenol?
- Store Fosrenol between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Keep Fosrenol and all medicines out of the reach of children.
What are the ingredients in Fosrenol?
Active ingredient: lanthanum carbonate
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide NF, dextrates (hydrated) NF, and magnesium stearate NF.
