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

This is Velphoro, and it is a phosphate binder. It lowers the amount of phosphate in the blood of people who have kidney disease. This is important, because high levels of phosphate can harm your bones, heart, blood vessels and lungs.

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

Velphoro is a chewable tablet. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should NOT swallow the tablet whole. You must chew the tablets or crush the tablets before swallowing them. You should take each dose with meals and a glass of water. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include diarrhea or nausea. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. You may notice your stools are black. This is also normal. It is important to know that this medicine could stain your teeth. You should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce this. 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, more serious effects could occur. You should tell your doctor right away if you have a rash or any other unusual changes to your body.

There are many medicines that should not be taken at the same time as Velphoro. You should review your other medicines with your doctor or pharmacist. He or she will tell you if you need to separate them from Velphoro.

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