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Overview: Lanthanum carbonate is used to lower phosphate levels in your blood if you have kidney problems. It reduces the amount of phosphorus that you absorb from things you eat and drink. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Serious side effects are less common, but may include severe constipation which can sometimes lead to other gut problems. If you take lanthanum carbonate tablets, be sure to chew or crush them completely before swallowing. Contact your health care provider right away if you have severe constipation. Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and medicines you take before taking lanthanum carbonate. Lanthanum carbonate is available as a chewable tablet or a powder you can sprinkle on foods.

Uses

What is lanthanum carbonate used for?

Lanthanum carbonate is commonly used to lower phosphorus levels in the blood if you have a condition called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In ESRD, your kidneys can’t remove phosphorus as well as usual, so high levels of phosphorus can build up in the body. This can lead to problems, such as making the bones weaker.

Lanthanum carbonate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does lanthanum carbonate work (mechanism of action)?

Lanthanum carbonate attaches to phosphate in the gut and helps prevent it from being absorbed. This lowers phosphate levels in the blood.

How is lanthanum carbonate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fosrenol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg chewable tablets
  • 750 mg chewable tablets
  • 1000 mg chewable tablets
  • 750 mg oral powder
  • 1000 mg oral powder

How should I store lanthanum carbonate?

Lanthanum carbonate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lanthanum carbonate?

The most common side effects of lanthanum carbonate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation (see below)

There may be other side effects of lanthanum carbonate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lanthanum carbonate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lanthanum carbonate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Constipation. Lanthanum carbonate can cause severe constipation, which may lead to further gastrointestinal (GI) issues, such as inflammation, slowing of digestion or movement in the gut (ileus), sores (ulcers), blockage (obstruction), or a hole in the intestine. Unchewed or partially chewed tablets may increase the risk of these side effects. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have severe constipation.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lanthanum carbonate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lanthanum carbonate.

  • Fosrenol
  • Lanthanum carbonate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lanthanum carbonate products they stock.

Certain Gut Problems. Lanthanum carbonate should not be used if you have any of the following gut problems. Taking lanthanum carbonate could make these conditions worse.  

What should I know about lanthanum carbonate before using it?

Do not take lanthanum carbonate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lanthanum carbonate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep lanthanum carbonate out of the reach of children.

Take lanthanum carbonate with or immediately after meals. 

If you are prescribed lanthanum carbonate chewable tablets, chew or crush the tablets completely before swallowing. You should not swallow them whole.

If you are prescribed lanthanum carbonate oral powder, sprinkle the powder on a small amount of applesauce or similar soft food and take it immediately. Do not open the powder until you are ready to use it. Lanthanum carbonate oral powder will not mix into liquids completely. Do not try to mix lanthanum carbonate with any liquids.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using lanthanum carbonate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lanthanum carbonate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Trouble chewing or problems with your teeth (especially important for lanthanum carbonate tablets)
  • Constipation
  • Sores (ulcers) or cancer in your stomach or intestines
  • Severe infection or inflammation of your stomach or intestines
  • Surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines
  • Slow movement of food through your stomach or intestines or prior gut blockage
  • Small sacs or pockets in the colon, also known as diverticular disease
  • Need to have an x-ray of your stomach area

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lanthanum carbonate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking lanthanum carbonate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lanthanum carbonate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you should take lanthanum carbonate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lanthanum carbonate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you should take lanthanum carbonate while breastfeeding. 

Interactions

Does lanthanum carbonate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lanthanum carbonate and foods or drinks. However, you should take it with or right after eating to help it work best.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lanthanum carbonate.

Does lanthanum carbonate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lanthanum carbonate.

  • An antacid containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium 
  • A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, which is a medicine commonly used for infections
  • Ampicillin, which is an antibiotic commonly used for infections
  • A tetracycline antibiotic, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, which is a medicine commonly used for infections
  • A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as captopril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems 
  • A statin, such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • A drug used to treat malaria

Lanthanum carbonate may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lanthanum carbonate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lanthanum carbonate?

If you or someone else has used too much lanthanum carbonate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222

What should I do if I miss a dose of lanthanum carbonate?

If you miss a dose and you have just eaten, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.