Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine with meals.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break or chew the capsule before swallowing.

Do not open up the capsules before taking them. The medicine inside may swell if it comes in contact with water.

Follow carefully any diet program your doctor may recommend.

Dosing—The dose of sevelamer will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of sevelamer. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For high phosphorus levels in the blood:
    • Adults not taking a phosphate binder—The first dose is usually between 2 and 4 capsules three times a day, with each meal, depending on how high your blood phosphorus level is. After that, your doctor may change the dose, again depending on your blood phosphorus levels.
    • Adults switching from calcium acetate to sevelamer— The first dose of sevelamer is generally between 2 and 5 capsules three times a day, with each meal, depending on how many tablets of calcium acetate you are currently taking. After that the doctor may change the dose, depending on your blood phosphorus levels.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For oral dosage forms (tablets)
  • For high phosphorus levels in the blood:
    • Adults not taking a phosphate binder—The first dose is usually between 1 and 4 tablets three times a day, with each meal, depending on how high your blood phosphorus level is. After that, your doctor may change the dose, depending on your blood phosphorus levels.
    • Adults switching from calcium acetate to sevelamer— The first dose of sevelamer is generally between 1 and 5 tablets three times a day, with each meal, depending on how many tablets of calcium acetate you are currently taking. After that the doctor may change the dose, depending on your blood phosphorus levels.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.