What is lanthanum carbonate?
Lanthanum prevents the body from absorbing phosphate, allowing it to be removed from the body.
Lanthanum carbonate is used for reducing phosphate levels in patients with end stage renal disease. High levels of phosphate can lead to complications with calcium absorption, resulting in serious medical problems.
Lanthanum carbonate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about lanthanum carbonate?
You should not use lanthanum carbonate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a bowel obstruction or severe constipation.
Before you take lanthanum carbonate, tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, any type of bowel obstruction, or a history of colon cancer or intestinal surgery.
The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow it.
Take lanthanum carbonate with food or immediately after eating.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially antibiotics, seizure medication, heart or blood pressure medication, or a blood thinner.
If you also take thyroid replacement medication, take it at least 2 hours before or after taking lanthanum carbonate. Do not take thyroid medication and lanthanum carbonate at the same time.
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take lanthanum carbonate. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb lanthanum carbonate.
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using lanthanum carbonate.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lanthanum carbonate?
You should not use lanthanum carbonate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a bowel obstruction or severe constipation.
To make sure you can safely take lanthanum carbonate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using lanthanum carbonate.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether lanthanum carbonate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether lanthanum carbonate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.