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Fosrenol Side Effects

Generic name: lanthanum carbonate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 11, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about lanthanum carbonate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Fosrenol.

Summary

Common side effects of Fosrenol include: dialysis graft complication, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include: dialysis graft occlusion, and abdominal pain. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

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

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:

Less common

Incidence not known

  • Bloody, black, or tarry stools
  • bone pain
  • constipation, severe
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • itching, skin rash
  • loss of appetite
  • seizures
  • severe stomach pain, cramping, or burning
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuous
  • vomiting, severe

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

Symptoms of overdose

Other 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:

More common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

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

General

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

Gastrointestinal

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

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]

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

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]

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

References

1. "Product Information. Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate)." Shire US Inc (2004):

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer