Sevelamer Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2025.

Applies to sevelamer: oral powder for suspension, oral tablet.

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 may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

This medicine may cause serious stomach or bowel problems, including blockage, bleeding, ulcers, colitis (severe diarrhea), necrosis, or perforation (tear or hole). Check with your doctor right away if you have bloating, bloody, black, or tarry stools, constipation, diarrhea, fever, heartburn, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, cramping, burning, or tenderness, or vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds.

Many people with kidney problems need to be on a special diet. To keep your kidney disease from getting worse, it is very important that you follow your special diet and take your medicines regularly, even if you are feeling better.

Common side effects of sevelamer

Some side effects of sevelamer 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 sevelamer

Along with its needed effects, sevelamer 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 sevelamer:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sevelamer: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently occurring adverse reactions included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Vomiting (22%), nausea (20%), diarrhea (19%), dyspepsia (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation, gastrointestinal reflux disease
• Frequency not reported: Dysphagia, diverticulitis
• Postmarketing reports: Fecal impaction, ileus, intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal events are the most common adverse reactions reported with this drug. Based on studies of 8 to 52 weeks, the most common reason for drug withdrawal are gastrointestinal adverse reactions (3% to 16%).^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Peritonitis^[Ref]

A clinical study in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (n=143) found the most frequently occurring treatment emergent serious adverse reaction was peritonitis. Peritonitis occurred in 8 patients receiving sevelamer and 2 patients on active control.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acidosis, increased serum chloride levels, decreased carbon dioxide^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, dyspnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Arteriovenous fistula site complication, arteriovenous fistula site hemorrhage, arteriovenous fistula thrombosis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, fever^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, muscle spasms, extremity pain^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Sevelamer 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