Fosrenol Side Effects

Generic name: lanthanum carbonate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 31, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Fosrenol Side Effects associated with lanthanum carbonate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Fosrenol.

Applies to lanthanum carbonate: oral powder, oral tablet chewable.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious stomach or bowel problems, including blockage or perforation (tear or hole), or severe constipation. Check with your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea, severe vomiting, sometimes with blood, or stomach cramps or pain.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. It may affect the results of certain medical tests (eg, stomach x-ray).

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Fosrenol

Some side effects of lanthanum carbonate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of Fosrenol

Along with its needed effects, lanthanum carbonate (the active ingredient contained in Fosrenol) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lanthanum carbonate:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking lanthanum carbonate:

Symptoms of overdose

• headache

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lanthanum carbonate: oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet chewable.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 37%), vomiting (up to 27%), diarrhea (up to 24%), abdominal pain (up to 17%), constipation (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, flatulence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastroenteritis, eructation, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, dry mouth, stomatitis, loose stools, esophagitis, tooth disorder
• Postmarketing reports: Tooth injury chewing the tablet, intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, ileus, subileus^[Ref]

Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting occurred more frequently among patients taking the oral powder formulation than those receiving the chewable tablets (18% versus 7%).^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypocalcemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypophosphatemia, anorexia, appetite increased, thirst^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, rhinitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Laryngitis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperparathyroidism^[Ref]

Serum parathyroid concentrations may fluctuate depending on a patient's serum calcium, phosphate and vitamin D status. This drug has not been shown to have any direct effects on PTH secretion.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Allergic skin reactions (skin rashes, urticaria, and pruritus)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia, myalgia, osteoporosis^[Ref]

The effects of this drug on the bones of patients undergoing dialysis have been evaluated in studies of up to 4.5 years duration. Compared with standard treatments including calcium carbonate, no differences in adverse effects on the musculoskeletal system, including fractures, were observed.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, increased sweating^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, asthenia, fatigue, malaise^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eosinophilia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 22%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, taste alteration^[Ref]

Renal

• Very common (10% or more): Dialysis graft occlusion (up to 25%)^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Fosrenol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer