Sevelamer hydrochloride, which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate, has been given to normal healthy volunteers in doses of up to 14 grams per day for eight days with no undesirable effects. In CKD patients, the maximum average daily dose studied was 14.4 grams of sevelamer carbonate in a single daily dose.
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- Hypophosphataemia
- Bowel obstruction.
Not applicable.
Summary of the safety profile
The most frequently occurring (> 5% of patients) adverse reactions were all in the gastrointestinal disorders system organ class. Most of these adverse reactions were mild to moderate in intensity.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The safety of sevelamer (as either carbonate and hydrochloride salts) has been investigated in numerous clinical trials involving a total of 969 haemodialysis patients with treatment duration of 4 to 50 weeks (724 patients treated with sevelamer hydrochloride and 245 with sevelamer carbonate), 97 peritoneal dialysis patients with treatment duration of 12 weeks (all treated with sevelamer hydrochloride) and 128 patients with CKD not on dialysis with treatment duration of 8 to 12 weeks (79 patients treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride and 49 with sevelamer carbonate).
Adverse reactions that occurred during clinical studies or that were spontaneously reported from post-marketing experience are listed by frequency in the table below. The reporting rate is classified as very common (>1/10), common (>1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
| MedDRA System Organ Class | Very Common | Common | Very Rare | Not known |
| Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity* | |||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, constipation | Diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence, abdominal pain | Intestinal obstruction, ileus/subileus, intestinal perforation | |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Pruritus, rash |
*post-marketing experience
Paediatric population
In general, the safety profile for children and adolescents (6 to 18 years of age) is similar to the safety profile for adults.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Non-clinical data with sevelamer reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity or genotoxicity.
Carcinogenicity studies with oral sevelamer hydrochloride were conducted in mice (doses of up to 9 g/kg/day) and rats (0.3, 1, or 3 g/kg/day). There was an increased incidence of urinary bladder transitional cell papilloma in male rats of the high dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose of 14.4 g). There was no increased incidence of tumors observed in mice (human equivalent dose 3 times the maximum clinical trial dose).
In an in vitro mammalian cytogenetic test with metabolic activation, sevelamer hydrochloride caused a statistically significant increase in the number of structural chromosome aberrations. Sevelamer hydrochloride was not mutagenic in the Ames bacterial mutation assay.
In rats and dogs, sevelamer reduced absorption of fat soluble vitamins D, E and K (coagulation factors), and folic acid.
Deficits in skeletal ossification were observed in several locations in foetuses of female rats dosed with sevelamer at intermediate and high doses (human equivalent dose less than the maximum clinical trial dose of 14.4 g). The effects may be secondary to vitamin D depletion.
In pregnant rabbits given oral doses of sevelamer hydrochloride by gavage during organogenesis, an increase of early resorptions occurred in the high-dose group (human equivalent dose twice the maximum clinical trial dose).
Sevelamer hydrochloride did not impair the fertility of male or female rats in a dietary administration study in which the females were treated from 14 days prior to mating through gestation and the males were treated for 28 days prior to mating. The highest dose in this study was 4.5 g/kg/day (human equivalent dose 2 times the maximum clinical trial dose of 13 g/day, based on a comparison of relative body surface area).
Renvella is indicated for the control of hyperphosphataemia in adult patients receiving haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Renvella is also indicated for the control of hyperphosphataemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis with serum phosphorus > 1.78 mmol/l.
Renvella is indicated for the control of hyperphosphataemia in paediatric patients (>6 years of age and a Body Surface Area (BSA) of >0.75 m2) with chronic kidney disease.
Renvella should be used within the context of a multiple therapeutic approach, which could include calcium supplement, 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 or one of its analogues to control the development of renal bone disease.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Treatment of hyperphosphataemia. ATC code: V03A E02.
Renvella contains sevelamer, a non-absorbed phosphate binding crosslinked polymer, free of metal and calcium. Sevelamer contains multiple amines separated by one carbon from the polymer backbone which become protonated in the stomach. These protonated amines bind negatively charged ions such as dietary phosphate in the intestine. By binding phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing absorption, sevelamer lowers the phosphorus concentration in the serum. Regular monitoring of serum phosphorus levels is always necessary during phosphate binder administration.
In two randomised, cross over clinical studies, sevelamer carbonate has been shown to be therapeutically equivalent to sevelamer hydrochloride and therefore effective in controlling serum phosphorus in CKD patients on haemodialysis. These also demonstrated that sevelamer carbonate in both tablet and powder formulations are therapeutically equivalent to sevelamer hydrochloride.
The first study demonstrated that sevelamer carbonate tablets dosed three times per day was equivalent to sevelamer hydrochloride tablets dosed three times per day in 79 haemodialysis patients treated over two randomised 8 week treatment periods (mean serum phosphorus time-weighted averages were 1.5 ± 0.3 mmol/l for both sevelamer carbonate and sevelamer hydrochloride). The second study demonstrated that sevelamer carbonate powder dosed three times per day was equivalent to sevelamer hydrochloride tablets dosed three times per day in 31 hyperphosphataemic (defined as serum phosphorus levels > 1.78 mmol/l) haemodialysis patients over two randomised 4 week treatment periods (mean serum phosphorus time-weighted averages were 1.6 ± 0.5 mmol/l for sevelamer carbonate powder and 1.7 ± 0.4 mmol/l for sevelamer hydrochloride tablets).
In the clinical studies in haemodialysis patients, sevelamer alone did not have a consistent and clinically significant effect on serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). In a 12 week study involving peritoneal dialysis patients however, similar iPTH reductions were seen compared with patients receiving calcium acetate. In patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism Renvella should be used within the context of a multiple therapeutic approach, which could include calcium as supplements, 1,25 - dihydroxy Vitamin D3 or one of its analogues to lower the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels.
Sevelamer has been shown to bind bile acids in vitro and in vivo in experimental animal models. Bile acid binding by ion exchange resins is a well-established method of lowering blood cholesterol. In clinical trials of sevelamer, both the mean total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol declined by 15-39%. The decrease in cholesterol has been observed after 2 weeks of treatment and is maintained with long-term treatment. Triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and albumin levels did not change following sevelamer treatment.
Because sevelamer binds bile acids, it may interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
Sevelamer does not contain calcium and decreases the incidence of hypercalcaemic episodes as compared to patients using calcium based phosphate binders alone. The effects of sevelamer on phosphorus and calcium were proven to be maintained throughout a study with one year follow-up. This information was obtained from studies in which sevelamer hydrochloride was used.
The safety and effectiveness of sevelamer carbonate in hyperphosphatemic paediatric patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) was evaluated in a multicenter study with a 2-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, Fixed Dose Period (FDP) followed by a 6-month, single-arm, open-label, Dose Titration Period (DTP). A total of 101 patients (6 to 18 years old with a BSA range of 0.8 m2 to 2.4 m2) were randomized in the study. Forty-nine (49) patients received sevelamer carbonate and 51 received placebo during the 2 week FDP. Thereafter all patients received sevelamer carbonate for the 26-week DTP. The study met its primary endpoint, meaning Sevelamer carbonate reduced serum phosphorus by an LS mean difference of -0.90 mg/dL compared to placebo, and secondary efficacy endpoints. In paediatric patients with hyperphosphatemia secondary to CKD, sevelamer carbonate significantly reduced serum phosphorus levels compared to placebo during a 2-week FDP. The treatment response was maintained in the paediatric patients who received sevelamer carbonate during the 6-month open-label DTP. 27% of paediatric patients reached their age appropriate serum phosphorus level at end of treatment. These figures were 23% and 15% in the subgroup of patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, respectively. The treatment response during the 2-week FDP was not affected by body surface area (BSA), in contrast however, no treatment response was observed in pediatric patients with qualifying phosphorus levels <7.0 mg/dL. Most of AEs reported as related, or possibly related, to sevelamer carbonate were gastrointestinal in nature. No new risks or safety signals were identified with the use of sevelamer carbonate during the study.
Pharmacokinetic studies have not been carried out with sevelamer carbonate. Sevelamer hydrochloride, which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate, is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, as confirmed by an absorption study in healthy volunteers.
The safety and efficacy of Renvella have not been established in adult patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis with serum phosphorus < 1.78 mmol/l. Therefore Renvella is currently not recommended for use in these patients.
The safety and efficacy of Renvella have not been established in patients with the following disorders:
- dysphagia
- swallowing disorders
- severe gastrointestinal motility disorders including untreated or severe gastroparesis, retention of gastric contents and abnormal or irregular bowel motion
- active inflammatory bowel disease
- major gastrointestinal tract surgery
Therefore caution should be exercised when Renvella is used in these patients.
Intestinal obstruction and ileus/subileus
In very rare cases, intestinal obstruction and ileus/subileus have been observed in patients during treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride (capsules/tablets), which contains the same active moiety as sevelamer carbonate. Constipation may be a preceding symptom. Patients who are constipated should be monitored carefully while being treated with Renvella. Renvella treatment should be re-evaluated in patients who develop severe constipation or other severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Fat-soluble vitamins
Patients with CKD may develop low levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, depending on dietary intake and the severity of their disease. It cannot be excluded that Renvella can bind fat-soluble vitamins contained in ingested food. In patients not taking supplemental vitamins but on sevelamer, serum vitamin A, D, E and K status should be assessed regularly. It is recommended that vitamin supplements be given if necessary. It is recommended that CKD patients not on dialysis are given vitamin D supplements (approximately 400 IU of native vitamin D daily) which can be part of a multivitamin preparation to be taken apart from their dose of Renvella. In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis additional monitoring of fat-soluble vitamins and folic acid is recommended, since vitamin A, D, E and K levels were not measured in a clinical study in these patients.
Folate deficiency
There is at present insufficient data to exclude the possibility of folate deficiency during long term Renvella treatment.
Hypocalcaemia/hypercalcaemia
Patients with CKD may develop hypocalcaemia or hypercalcaemia. Renvella does not contain any calcium. Serum calcium levels should therefore be monitored at regular intervals and elemental calcium should be given as a supplement if required.
Metabolic acidosis
Patients with chronic kidney disease are predisposed to developing metabolic acidosis. As part of good clinical practice, monitoring of serum bicarbonate levels is therefore recommended.
Peritonitis
Patients receiving dialysis are subject to certain risks for infection specific to dialysis modality. Peritonitis is a known complication in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and in a clinical study with sevelamer hydrochloride, a greater number of peritonitis cases were reported in the sevelamer group than in the control group. Patients on peritoneal dialysis should be closely monitored to ensure the correct use of appropriate aseptic technique with the prompt recognition and management of any signs and symptoms associated with peritonitis.
Swallowing and choking difficulties
Uncommon reports of difficulty swallowing the Renvella tablet have been reported. Many of these cases involved patients with co-morbid conditions including swallowing disorders or oroesophageal abnormalities. Caution should be exercised when Renvella is used in patients with difficulty swallowing. The use of Renvella powder for oral suspension in patients with a history of difficulty swallowing should be considered.
Hypothyroidism
Closer monitoring of patients with hypothyroidism co-administered with sevelamer carbonate and levothyroxine is recommended.
Long-term chronic treatment
In a clinical trial of one year, no evidence of accumulation of sevelamer was seen. However the potential absorption and accumulation of sevelamer during long-term chronic treatment (> one year) cannot be totally excluded.
Hyperparathyroidism
Renvella is not indicated for the control of hyperparathyroidism. In patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism Renvella should be used within the context of a multiple therapeutic approach, which could include calcium as supplements, 1,25 - dihydroxy Vitamin D3 or one of its analogues to lower the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels.
Inflammatory Gastrointestinal Disorders
Cases of serious inflammatory disorders of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract (including serious complications such as bleeding, perforation, ulceration, necrosis, colitis, …) associated with the presence of sevelamer crystals have been reported in literature. However, the causality of the sevelamer crystals in initiating such disorders has not been demonstrated. Sevelamer carbonate treatment should be re-evaluated in patients who develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Sevelamer has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Posology:
Starting dose
Adults
The recommended starting dose of sevelamer carbonate for adults is 2.4 g or 4.8 g per day based on clinical needs and serum phosphorus level. Renvella powder for oral suspension must be taken three times per day with meals.
| Serum phosphorus level in patients | Total daily dose of sevelamer carbonate to be taken over 3 meals per day |
| 1.78 - 2.42 mmol/l (5.5 - 7.5 mg/dl) | 2.4 g* |
| > 2.42 mmol/l (> 7.5 mg/dl) | 4.8 g* |
*Plus subsequent titrating as per instructions
Children/adolescents (>6 years of age and a body surface area (BSA) of >0.75m2)
The recommended starting dose of sevelamer carbonate for children is between 2.4 g and 4.8 g per day based on the patient's body surface area (BSA) category. Renvella must be taken three times per day with meals or snacks.
| BSA (m2) | Total daily dose of sevelamer carbonate to be taken over 3 meals/snacks per day |
| >0.75 to <1.2 | 2.4 g** |
| >1.2 | 4.8 g** |
**Plus subsequent titrating as per instructions
For patients previously on phosphate binders (sevelamer hydrochloride or calcium based), Renvella should be given on a gram for gram basis with monitoring of serum phosphorus levels to ensure optimal daily doses.
Titration and maintenance
*Adults
For adult patients, serum phosphorus must be monitored and the dose of sevelamer carbonate titrated by 0.8 g three times per day (2.4 g/day) increments every 2-4 weeks until an acceptable serum phosphorus level is reached, with regular monitoring thereafter.
In clinical practice, treatment will be continuous based on the need to control serum phosphorus levels and the daily adult dose is expected to be an average of approximately 6 g per day.
**Children and adolescents (>6 years of age and a body surface area (BSA) of >0.75m2)
For paediatric patients, serum phosphorus levels must be monitored and the dose of sevelamer carbonate titrated in increments based on patient's BSA, three times per day every 2-4 weeks until an acceptable serum phosphorus level is reached, with regular monitoring thereafter.
Paediatric dosage based on body surface area (BSA) (m2)
| BSA (m2) | Starting dose | Titration increases/decreases |
| >0.75 to <1.2 | 0.8 g three times daily | Titrate up/down by 0.4 g three times daily |
| >1.2 | 1.6 g three times daily | Titrate up/down by 0.8 g three times daily |
Patients taking Renvella should adhere to their prescribed diets.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Renvella have not been established in children below the age of 6 years or in children with a BSA below 0.75 m2.
For paediatric patients with a <1.2 BSA (m2), the oral suspension should be administered, as tablet formulations were not tested in this population and therefore are not appropriate for this population.
Method of administration
For oral use.
Each sachet of 2.4 g of powder is to be dispersed in 60 mL of water prior to administration. The suspension should be ingested within 30 minutes after being prepared. Renvella should be taken with food and not on an empty stomach.
As an alternative to water, the powder may be pre-mixed with a small amount of beverage or food (e.g. 100grams/120 ml) and consumed within 30 minutes. Do not heat Renvella powder (e.g. microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids.
To achieve the correct dose, a 2.4 g sachet of Renvella powder may be divided. The Renvella powder may be measured by volume (mL) using a measuring scoop or measuring spoon. Further instructions are detailed in the Patient Leaflet.
| Sevelamer carbonate dose (g) | Volume (mL) |
| 0.4 g (400 mg) | 1.0 mL |
| 0.8 g (800 mg) | 2.0 mL |
| 1.2 g (1200 mg) | 3.0 mL |
| 1.6 g (1600 mg) | 4.0 mL |
The powder should be dispersed in 60 mL of water per sachet prior to administration. The suspension powder is pale yellow with a citrus flavour.
The powder may also be pre-mixed with cold beverage or unheated food (see 4.2). Renvella powder should not be heated (e.g. microwave).
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
