Sevelamer: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Sevelamer is a non-calcium phosphate binder. It is a prescription medicine used for high phosphate in kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 5 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Sevelamer works

Sevelamer is a resin that stays inside the gut and is not absorbed into the body. It binds phosphate from food so that it passes out in the stools instead of entering the blood. Unlike calcium-based binders, it does not add extra calcium to the body.

What is Sevelamer used for?

• High phosphate in kidney disease and chronic kidney disease

Sevelamer is taken with meals by people with chronic kidney disease, mainly those on dialysis, to keep blood phosphate levels under control. When the kidneys fail, phosphate from food builds up in the blood, which over time can weaken bones, cause itching and lead to calcium deposits in blood vessels. It is used alongside a low-phosphate diet.

Side effects of Sevelamer

Most side effects of Sevelamer affect the digestive system, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Diarrhoea

Get medical help promptly if you have severe stomach pain, severe constipation, no bowel movements or blood in your stools, as these may signal a bowel blockage.

Precautions and warnings

• Take Sevelamer with meals, swallow tablets whole, and follow the diet and fluid advice from your kidney team.
• Tell your doctor if you have swallowing problems, a history of bowel blockage or bowel surgery, or severe constipation.
• It can reduce the absorption of some medicines, such as ciprofloxacin, levothyroxine and ciclosporin, so your doctor may advise taking them at a different time.
• Your blood phosphate, calcium and other levels will be checked regularly.
• Long-term use can lower the absorption of some vitamins, so your doctor may check your levels or suggest a supplement, especially during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about Sevelamer

What is the price of Sevelamer in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Sevelamer products currently in stock range from Rs 1,950 to Rs 4,550 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Neosev 400mg Tablet at Rs 1,950. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Sevelamer are available in Pakistan?

Sevelamer is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Renavel (Genome Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Neosev (Cell Laboratories), Renvela (Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited), Neovel (Cell Laboratories Ltd) and Selcarb (Alianze).

Do I need a prescription for Sevelamer?

Yes. Sevelamer is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Sevelamer be used during pregnancy?

Long-term use can lower the absorption of some vitamins, so your doctor may check your levels or suggest a supplement, especially during pregnancy.

Are all Sevelamer brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Sevelamer in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Sevelamer brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 7 products containing Sevelamer from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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