About Renagel

Along with diet and dialysis, Renagel helps control phosphorus levels in the blood.

1. What is Renagel?
Renagel is a phosphate binder. It is different from other phosphate binders as it is not absorbed, and does not contain calcium or metal. Therefore, it cannot accumulate in the body.

2. How does Renagel work?
Renagel is taken with meals to help clear away the phosphorus that is found in food, before it can enter the blood. Like a sponge, Renagel soaks up the phosphorus from the foods you eat. Renagel is not absorbed into the blood and moves along with the phosphorus, through the digestive tract until it is eliminated.

3. What are the side effects of taking Renagel?
The most commonly reported side effects with Renagel include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach. The side effects reported by patients who took Renagel were the same as the side effects reported by patients taking either a placebo or a calcium-based phosphate binder.

4. How can I get more information about Renagel?
Speak to someone on your healthcare team to learn more about Renagel, or contact Genzyme toll-free at 1-800-847-0069.

• Do not use Renagel if you have very low phosphorus levels or a history of bowel obstruction.
• Talk to your doctor if you have had digestive tract surgery, or other digestive disorders including severe constipation.
• The most common side effects with Renagel include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, constipation, and rash.
• In uncommon instances, patients have experienced bowel obstruction.
• Take Renagel with meals and adhere to your prescribed diet.
• Speak to your doctor when taking Renagel with other medications.
• Promptly contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, new or worsening constipation, or other severe intestinal symptoms while on Renagel.