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.
Take this medicine by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with meals. If you take an antacid, take the antacid 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. If you take medicine for your thyroid, take the thyroid medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. If you take a quinolone antibiotic, take the antibiotic 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take this medicine. 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.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reaction like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blockage at dialysis graft
confused, irritable
feeling faint
fever, infection
loss of appetite
low blood pressure
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
diarrhea
headache
nausea, vomiting
runny nose
stomach pain
antacids
certain antibiotics like ampicillin, quinolones, and tetracyclines
certain medicines for blood pressure called ACE inhibitors like benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, and trandolapril
certain medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin
medicines to treat malaria like artemether; lumefantrine, atovaquone; proguanil, chloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, pyrimethamine, quinine
thyroid hormones like levothyroxine
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.
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.
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
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.