For years I've been struggling with my phosphorus levels, averaging 7.8 - 9.4, even though I've taken handfuls of binders, and restricted phos from my diet by 85%.
Renagel destroyed my GI system, to a point where diarhea was the norm, throwing up was freaquent, and it was responsible for making my CO2 plummet to 11, causing metabolic acidosis and a rapid loss of muscle mass. The low CO2 kept my potassium in the dangerously high range.
When I started dialysis, I used Phoslo, but the calcium overloaded my system to 10.5, and I developed calciphalaxis, skin lesions that take weeks to heal.

Well, three weeks ago I started Fosrenol, which is lanthanum carbonate. In the first week my Phosphorus went from 9.4 to 5.4. This is unbelievable. It also helped to bring my PTH into normal limits.
This Fosrenol came along just in time because I was out of options. I went through every combination with Phoslo and Renagel, and never got below 7.
I imagine most patients have had similar experiences - ask your Neph about it, or your dietician. It will help - finally.

m micone
Are there any contraindications and/or side effects associated with Fosrenol? Can you buy this medication over the counter?
pato

Pato,

This web site should answer your questions about Fosrenol.
http://www.fosrenol.com/Consumers/Default.aspx