Sevelamer (se-VEL-a-mer) is a medication that lowers the amount of phosphorus (a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth) in your blood. Sevelamer binds (attaches) to the phosphorus in the foods you eat and stops your body from taking it in. A person with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less able to remove phosphorus from their body. When there is too much phosphorus in your blood, it pushes calcium out of your bones. This makes your bones weaker. Hemodialysis can remove some of the extra ph…
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have anemia (not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood). Taking oral irons will give you enough iron to make hemoglobin. The pamphlet explains what oral irons are, how to take and store them, and possible side effects.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are a group of medications that help take the place of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may not have enough EPO coming from their kidneys to tell their body to make more red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication, and lists possible side effects.
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or who are on dialysis, have anemia because their red blood cells are low. The body needs iron to help make new red blood cells. This pamphlet explains how to take and store this medication, and lists possible side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 2161, "Fer injectable et insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC)," is also available.
Tums® (calcium carbonate) is a medication used to treat high levels of phosphorus in the body. This pamphlet explains why people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need this medication and how to use it. The French version of this pamphlet 2236, "TumsMD (carbonate de calcium) et maladies rénales," is also available.
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you need to know which over-the-counter medications are your best choices and which you should not take. This pamphlet lists over-the-counter medications you may need for a cough or cold, fever or pain, allergies, an upset stomach (indigestion, burning pain) or heartburn, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting (throwing up), diarrhea (loose, watery poop), and constipation, as well as multivitamins, and creams and ointments. Information on why…
The liver is an organ in your body that helps to break down and digest the food you eat, cleans your blood, and fights infection. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. “Hepatitis” means swelling of the liver. Hepatitis B can cause serious liver problems, including liver damage, liver failure, and liver cancer. People with kidney disease who may need dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future, have a higher chance of getting Hepatitis B. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is to get …
Rocaltrol® is a medication with the active ingredient calcitriol. This is a form of vitamin D that can be used by the body. Calcitriol helps your body control your calcium and phosphate levels. Calcium and phosphate are needed to build healthy bones. People get vitamin D from sunlight, and from eating oily fish and milk products. People with kidney disease cannot change enough vitamin D into calcitriol. This can cause low calcium levels in the blood and weaker bones. Rocaltrol raises the amoun…
One-Alpha® is a medication with the active ingredient alfacalcidol. This is a form of vitamin D. The liver changes alfacalcidol to calcitriol, which is a form of vitamin D that can be used by the body. Alfacalcidol helps your body control your calcium and phosphate levels. Calcium and phosphate are needed to build healthy bones. People get vitamin D from sunlight, and from eating oily fish and milk products. People with kidney disease cannot change enough vitamin D into calcitriol. This can ca…
People with kidney disease often take many medications. These medications can help with your kidney disease and other medical conditions (like high blood pressure [hypertension] or diabetes). It is important to take your medications regularly and as told by your health care provider. This pamphlet explains what you need to know about your medications and non-prescription medications, how you can make sure your medications are OK for your level of kidney function, and what will happen if a medic…
Kayexalate® is a medication that treats high potassium levels in the body. High potassium levels can be dangerous if you have kidney disease. This pamphlet explains why you may need this medication, how to take it, side effects, and how to store it.
This pamphlet explains how to maintain an ideal balance of fluid in your body when managing chronic kidney disease.
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your health care provider may order erythropoieis-stimulating agent (ESA) medications for you. This pamphlet explains the risks and benefits of ESAs if you have CKD and active cancer, or a history of cancer or stroke.
Pruritis is an itchy feeling on or under your skin. This pamphlet explains what causes pruritis in people with CKD, what the symptoms are, how you can prevent it, and how your kidney team will treat it.
Cyclosporine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Prednisone is a type of medication known as a corticosteroid. It works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Azathioprine is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Cyclophosphamide is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and how to store this medication.
Rituximab is a medication that works by lowering your body’s harmful response to immune system diseases like glomerulonephritis. This pamphlet explains how to take this medication, possible side effects, and if this medication is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.