Sodium cellulose phosphate (Oral)

Sodium cellulose phosphate is used to stop calcium-containing kidney stones from forming. It is used in patients whose bodies take in too much calcium from their diet.

Sodium cellulose phosphate works by bonding with calcium and some other minerals in food. This stops the calcium from getting to the kidneys where the stones form.

Sodium cellulose phosphate is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This is to make sure sodium cellulose phosphate is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.

If you are taking a magnesium supplement, take it at least one hour before or after you take sodium cellulose phosphate. Otherwise, the magnesium may combine with this medicine and keep it from working properly.

Do not take vitamin C, or eat spinach (or other dark green leafy vegetables), chocolate, brewed tea, or rhubarb while you are taking sodium cellulose phosphate. They may increase the chance of kidney stones.

Do not drink milk or eat milk products (for example, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt) while you are taking this medicine, because dairy products are high in calcium. Drinking milk or eating milk products may keep sodium cellulose phosphate from working properly.

While you are taking sodium cellulose phosphate, do not eat salty foods or use extra salt on foods. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

For patients on a low-sodium diet:

• This medicine contains sodium. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of sodium cellulose phosphate in children to its use in other age groups, but it is not recommended for children up to 16 years old due to their increased need for calcium while growing.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear whether they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older individuals. There is no specific information comparing the use of sodium cellulose phosphate in elderly patients to its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used together even if there might be an interaction. In such cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to take your medicine in relation to food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical conditions may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, particularly:

• Bone disease—Sodium cellulose phosphate may worsen this condition.
• Edema or swelling, or
• Heart disease—The high sodium content in sodium cellulose phosphate may cause your body to retain water.
• Intestinal problems, or
• Parathyroid disease or issues—Sodium cellulose phosphate may raise the risk of bone problems.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

With long-term use

• Convulsions (seizures)
• drowsiness
• loss of appetite
• mood or mental changes
• muscle spasms or twitching
• nausea or vomiting
• trembling
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach discomfort
• loose bowel movements or diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Calcibind

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet. Also tell your health care professional if your diet contains large amounts of milk or other dairy products, spinach (or other dark green leafy vegetables), chocolate, brewed tea, or rhubarb or if you are taking vitamin C or magnesium supplements.

Take this medicine mixed in a full glass (8 ounces) of water, soft drink, or fruit juice. After drinking all the liquid containing the medicine, rinse the glass with a little more liquid. Drink that also to make sure you get all the medicine.

It is very important that you take cellulose sodium phosphate with meals. If this medicine is taken an hour or more after a meal, it will not work properly.

Take cellulose sodium phosphate only as directed. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Drink at least a full glass (8 ounces) of water, a soft drink, or fruit juice every hour while you are awake, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This also will help prevent kidney stones while you are taking cellulose sodium phosphate.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• To prevent kidney stones: Adults: At first, 10 to 15 grams a day (3.3 to 5 grams three times a day with meals). Then, your doctor may reduce your dose. Children: Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.