Drug Notes

Lanthanum (By mouth)

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

Lowers phosphate levels in people who have end-stage kidney disease.

Brand Name(s):

Fosrenol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Powder, Chewable Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine with a meal or immediately after a meal.
• Tablet: Chew or crush the tablet completely before you swallow it. Do not swallow whole tablets.
• Powder: Sprinkle the oral powder on a small amount of applesauce or similar food. Mix and then swallow the mixture immediately. Do not mix this medicine with water or other liquid.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some foods and medicines can affect how lanthanum works. You may still be able to take these medicines, but you must take them at a different time than you take lanthanum.
• Take these medicines 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take lanthanum:
  • Levothyroxine
  • ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine, such as enalapril, lisinopril, or ramipril
  • Antibiotic such as ampicillin or tetracycline
  • Statin medicine to lower cholesterol
  • Medicine to treat malaria
• Take these medicines 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take lanthanum: an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, or levofloxacin
• Tell your doctor if you are using a calcium channel blocker blood pressure medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or a history of serious problems with your digestive system.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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
• Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017