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

This is Fosrenol, 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. Fosrenol binds the phosphate, and keeps it in the digestive tract. Then, it leaves your body when you have a bowel movement.

Fosrenol must be taken with meals, or right after meals. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. 
- If you have the chewable tablets, you must CHEW the tablet completely before swallowing. 
   Do NOT swallow it whole.
- If you have Fosrenol powder, you should sprinkle the dose onto a small amount of 
   applesauce or similar food. 

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. These are normal if they are mild, and should go away. Vomiting is also common, and you should tell your doctor if it happens to you. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Fosrenol, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With Fosrenol, this includes severe constipation, a bowel blockage or a hole in the bowel. You should read the Medication Guide for more information. 

Some drug interactions can occur. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking antacids, antibiotics or thyroid medicine.

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