Fosrenol: Uses, indications and cautions when using

Fosrenol (Lantan) is used to reduce high blood phosphate levels in people on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep phosphate levels in the body in balance. Reducing phosphate levels in the blood can help keep bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in the body, and help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke caused by high phosphate levels.

Lanthanum is a naturally occurring mineral that works by binding with phosphates in the foods you eat. The phosphate then passes out of the body in the stool.
Before you start taking Lantan and each time you get a supplement, be sure to carefully read the information on the product label and your doctor's instructions.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually with or right after a meal. Chew the tablet completely before swallowing to reduce the risk of stomach/abdominal side effects. You can crush the tablet to make it easier to chew. Do not swallow the medicine whole. You do not need to swallow Lantan with water.
Use Lantan potion to get the most benefit from it. Your doctor determines the dose of Lantan based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and test results.
Lanthanum may prevent some medicines from working well if you take them at the same time. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to separate the time you take other medicines from the time you take Lantan.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation may occur after you take Lantan. If any of these symptoms persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
If serious side effects occur, including: Mental/mood changes, unusual muscle weakness/spasms, seizures, contact your doctor immediately.
Rarely, a serious bowel obstruction or perforation of the bowel may be necessary, and sometimes surgery or a visit to the hospital may be necessary. Tell your doctor if you have conditions such as: Severe or persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting that does not stop, severe constipation, severe diarrhea, fever, chills.
Some possible side effects after taking Lantan include:
Nausea Vomiting Severe abdominal pain Constipation Diarrhea Rare but serious side effects:
Decreased bowel movements Bowel obstruction Stomach obstruction Rupture of the stomach wall Indigestion Lantan rarely causes a serious allergic reaction. However, call 911 right away if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness , shortness of breath.
If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking Lantan, contact your doctor immediately.

Before taking lantan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine; or if you have any other allergies. Lantan may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Lantan, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: Stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, bowel obstruction/surgery, cancer, constipation) , diabetes.
Before taking an X-ray of the stomach/abdomen, tell the radiologist that you are taking this medicine.
Before surgery, tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products).
Lantan is not recommended for children because it can affect their bones.
During pregnancy, Lantan should only be used when clearly needed.

The interaction between Lantan and certain medications can change the way the medicine works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Therefore, you need to share a list of all the medicines you are taking with your doctor. Only change the dose of Lantan as well as stop taking it when specifically directed by your doctor.
Lanthanum may prevent some medicines from working well if you take them at the same time. Ask your doctor for more details as you may need to separate the time you take lantan by at least 2 hours from the time you take the following medicines, including: Mycophenolate, thyroid medicine (eg. such as levothyroxine), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, tetracycline), drugs that interact with antacids.
Other drugs (such as quinolone antibiotics including ciprofloxacin/levofloxacin) may require different dosing intervals. Talk to your doctor about how to schedule the use of Lantan and other medications you are taking.
If difficulty breathing or fainting occurs after an overdose of Lantan, call 911 immediately.
Your doctor may ask you to follow a special diet to help lower your concentration. phosphate in the blood. Strictly follow the diet.
Medical tests (such as blood phosphate and calcium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor disease progression.
Store Lantan at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store Lantan medicine in the bathroom.

Reference source: webmd.com