Fosrenol (Lanthanum Carbonate) is a prescription medication used to lower blood phosphate levels in people undergoing dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Although dialysis removes some phosphate from the blood, it does not remove enough to keep blood phosphate levels balanced. Balancing phosphate levels is vital to decrease the risk of heart disease and prevent unsafe buildup of minerals. The active ingredient in Fosrenol is Lanthanum carbonate. Lanthanum carbonate belongs to a class of drugs called phosphate binders. It works by preventing the body from absorbing phosphate from the food you eat. The phosphate in the food binds to the drug and is carried through your digestive tract to be eliminated in your stool.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Fosrenol from Canada manufactured by Shire in the strength of 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg chewable tablets. The generic Lanthanum Carbonate comes from India also called Fosbait by Pancea Biotec in the strength of 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Fosrenol. The most common side effects of Fosrenol may include the following:
• Constipation;
• Itching;
• Nausea;
• Upset stomach
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Severe constipation;
• Severe stomach cramps;
• Signs of hypocalcaemia like tingling in the hands and feet, muscle and abdominal cramps, or muscle spasms in the face and feet
These are not all of the side effects of Fosrenol. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Fosrenol if you are allergic to Lanthanum carbonate or any ingredient in Fosrenol. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a blockage in the intestine;
• Have ever had intestinal surgery;
• Have hypophosphatemia (too little phosphate in your blood);
• Have stomach or intestinal cancer;
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Fosrenol and carvedilol, dialyvite, lisinopril, ampicillin, hydroxychloroquine, ketoconazole, etc. Avoid antacids, thyroid medications, tetracycline antibiotics, or quinolone antibiotics with Fosrenol. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Fosrenol will harm a fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Fosrenol passes into breast milk and if it may harm nursing infants. Take Fosrenol precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take the drug with food or immediately after eating. Chew the chewable tablet completely before swallowing. Do not swallow whole. Tell your doctor if you have trouble chewing the tablet. This drug may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Fosrenol affects you. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place below 250C.
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