Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Auryxia, and it's a 'phosphate binder'. It lowers the amount of phosphate in the blood of people who have kidney disease. This is important, because too much phosphate can harm your bones, heart, blood vessels and lungs.

Phosphate enters your body from foods and drinks. Auryxia binds the phosphate, and keeps it in the digestive tract. Then, it leaves your body when you have a bowel movement.

You must take Auryxia with meals. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. 

Common side effects include nausea and either diarrhea or constipation. These are normal if they are mild, and should go away. It can cause your stools to be dark or black. Also, vomiting can occur. If it does, be sure to call your doctor. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. Auryxia contains iron, which could build up in your body. Your doctor may order blood tests to watch for this. 

It is important to note that iron is a leading cause of poisoning in young children, and an overdose could cause death. To prevent this, be sure to store this medicine out of the reach of children.

Some drug interactions can occur. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, even if they do not require a prescription.

For best results with Auryxia, remember to take it with meals. Also, be sure to follow the 'low-phosphate diet' that your doctor recommends.