Phosphorous

This drug may be used in people who cannot get enough phosphorus from their diets. Phosphorus is a natural body mineral that is very important for building and maintaining bone. It helps control the amount of calcium in the body and urine.

Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Your dosage depends on your condition and response to therapy.

Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with phosphate, preventing its full absorption.

Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor's approval.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

When this medication is first started, there is a chance an old kidney stone will be passed.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint aches, muscle cramps, stomach pain, swollen hands/legs/feet.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: confusion, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, unusual weakness, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: infection with kidney stones, high phosphate/potassium/sodium levels, severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), breathing problems (pulmonary edema), bone problems (e.g., osteomalacia, rickets), heart disease (e.g., heart failure, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, certain muscle problem (myotonia congenita), pancreatitis, late pregnancy problems (preeclampsia), severe loss of body water (dehydration), severe burns/wounds, special diet (e.g., sodium- or potassium-restricted diet), swelling (edema).

This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if increased salt intake could worsen your condition (for example, if you have congestive heart failure).

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially swelling legs/feet (due to sodium and water retention).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

See also How to Use section.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin, digoxin, eplerenone, high blood pressure drugs (including ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, ARBs such as valsartan), potassium supplements/salt substitutes, vitamin products (e.g., vitamin D, calcium), certain "water pills" (including potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride/spironolactone/triamterene).

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe diarrhea, muscle spasms.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium/phosphorus/potassium/sodium levels, kidney tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.