Lanthanum Carbonate (LAN-tha-num KAR-bo-nate)

Lowers phosphate levels in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Brand Name(s):

Fosrenol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with or immediately right after meals.
• Chew or crush the tablet completely before swallowing. Do not swallow whole tablets.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. Take them at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after you take lanthanum.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using certain antibiotics (such as ampicillin, tetracycline, Omnipen®, Polycillin®, Principen®, Sumycin®, or Totacillin®). certain blood pressure medicine (such as diltiazem, enalapril, lisinopril, nifedipine, verapamil, Accupril®, Lotrel®, or Norvasc®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Pravachol®, or Zocor®), medicine to treat malaria (such as quinine, chloroquine, or Mepron®), or thyroid replacement hormones (such as levothyroxine, Synthroid®). These medicines should be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after using lanthanum.
• Tell your doctor if you are using certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, Ciloxan®, Cipro®, Levaquin®, or Tequin. These medicines should be taken 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking lanthanum.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a blocked digestive tube, constipation, Crohn's disease, diabetes, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, or a history of colon cancer or stomach surgery.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Severe stomach pain.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough or runny nose.
• Headache.
• Mild stomach upset.
• Nausea, mild vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088