Sevelamer Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.

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

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:

More common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• passing gas
• stomach discomfort or upset

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:

Incidence not known

• bloating
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• heartburn
• hives, itching, rash
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• nausea or vomiting
• redness of the skin
• stomach pain, cramping, burning, or tenderness
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing or swallowing
• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing

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]

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