Type of medicine: antihyperphosphatemic (treats too much phosphate in the blood)
Generic and brand names: lanthanum carbonate, oral; Fosrenol
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood). It is used by people who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require hemodialysis.
Before you take this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take the tablets with or immediately after meals. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Chew the tablets completely before swallowing.
Take other medicines 2Â hours before or 2Â hours after you take this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
You need to have blood tests regularly to determine how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine. If you need X-rays, be sure to tell the healthcare provider you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Dialysis graft blockage, severe dizziness or fainting, severe nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomachache, headache, runny nose.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
Take other medicines 2 hours before or 2 hours after doses of this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
