Lanthanum Carbonate Chewable Tablets

What is this medication?

LANTHANUM CARBONATE (LAN tha num KAR bon ate) treats high phosphorus levels in people with kidney disease. It works by lowering the amount of phosphorus your body absorbs from food. It belongs to a group of medications called phosphate binders.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fosrenol

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blockage in your bowel
• Dry hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum
• Having an X-ray of your stomach
• History of stomach bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Other stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lanthanum carbonate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Chew or crush it completely before swallowing. Do not swallow the tablets whole. Take it with food. Take it at regular intervals. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your pharmacist about when to take your medications. Some medications must be separated from this one by several hours.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Certain antibiotics, such as ampicillin, quinolones, tetracyclines
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin
• Levothyroxine
• Medications that treat malaria

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for check-ups as directed. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. You will need to have lab work done regularly.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Check with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.