Sevelam

Yes, Sevelam 800 Tablet can be taken with food. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets (based on individual needs) thrice daily. It is important to take it with meals because Sevelam 800 Tablet works by binding to phosphate from food. Take it exactly as advised by your doctor.

No, you should not crush, chew, or break Sevelam 800 Tablet into pieces. You should swallow it as a whole with water.

It is important to take Sevelam 800 Tablet as patients undergoing dialysis cannot control the phosphate levels in their blood, especially after a meal. When the level of phosphate exceeds above the range in the blood, it may cause problems such as itchy skin, red eyes, high blood pressure, bone pain, and also increase the risk of fractures. These increased serum phosphate levels are reduced by Sevelam 800 Tablet, as it binds phosphate from food in the digestive tract.

A common side effect of Sevelam 800 Tablet is constipation, though it does not occur in everyone. The other common side effects of the stomach and intestine include diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, and pain in the abdomen. Immediately consult your doctor if these side effects become severe and disturb you.

Patients who are allergic to Sevelam 800 Tablet and who have low levels of phosphate in blood should avoid taking Sevelam 800 Tablet. Additionally, patients having intestinal obstruction should also avoid using Sevelam 800 Tablet.

Ciprofloxacin may interfere with the working of Sevelam 800 Tablet and therefore it should not be taken at the same time as Sevelam 800 Tablet. However, if taken together then a gap of at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking Sevelam 800 Tablet should be maintained.

Continue taking Sevelam 800 Tablet as long as recommended by your doctor. Sevelam 800 Tablet lowers your dietary phosphate levels but does not cure your disease. Hence, you may have to take it lifelong, as stopping Sevelam 800 Tablet may increase your phosphate levels.

Yes, serum phosphate levels should be monitored regularly while you are taking Sevelam 800 Tablet. Also, the use of Sevelam 800 Tablet may decrease the levels of vitamin D, A, E, K, and folic acid and hence the levels need to be monitored during the treatment.