Fosrenol (Lanthanum Carbonate)

You should not use FOSRENOL if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using FOSRENOL.

To make sure FOSRENOL is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• ulcerative colitis;

• Crohn's disease;

• diabetes;

• problems with your teeth;

• any type of bowel obstruction;

• a history of colon cancer or intestinal surgery; or

• if you take any medicines that can cause constipation.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether FOSRENOL passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe constipation; or
• severe stomach cramps.

Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• constipation;
• itching, rash; or
• tooth injury while chewing a FOSRENOL tablet.

FOSRENOL can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

• If you also take thyroid medication, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take FOSRENOL.

• If you take an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), take the antibiotic at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take FOSRENOL.

• Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take FOSRENOL.

Other drugs may interact with FOSRENOL, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take FOSRENOL with food or immediately after eating.

The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow whole.

Sprinkle the oral powder into a small amount of applesauce or other soft food (oral powder will not dissolve in liquid). Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.

While using FOSRENOL, you may need frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.