Lanthanum oral powder

What is this medicine?

LANTHANUM CARBONATE (LAN tha num KAR bon ate) is a binding agent. This medicine is used to decrease the amount of phosphate in your blood that may build up due to kidney disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Talk to your pharmacist about when to take your medicines. Some medicines must be separated from this one by several hours. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• constipation

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• certain antibiotics like ampicillin, quinolones, and tetracyclines

• certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease

• certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin

• levothyroxine

• medicines that treat malaria

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blockage in your bowel

• dry hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum

• having an X-ray of your stomach

• history of stomach bleeding

• inflammatory bowel disease

• other stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to lanthanum carbonate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for check ups as directed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. You will need to have lab work done regularly.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Check with your doctor.