Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

When this medication is first started, there is a chance an old kidney stone will be passed.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone/joint aches, muscle cramps, stomach pain, swollen hands/legs/feet, confusion, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, unusual weakness, tingling/numbness of the hands/feet, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Uses

This drug may be used in people who cannot get enough phosphorus from their diets. Phosphorus is a natural body mineral that is very important for building and maintaining bone. It helps control the amount of calcium in the body and urine.

How to use Phosphorous

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with phosphate, preventing its full absorption.

Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often without your doctor’s approval.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high phosphate/potassium/sodium levels, adrenal gland problems (such as Addison’s disease), extra fluid in the body (such as swelling of arms/legs, fluid in the lungs), bone problems (such as osteomalacia, rickets), heart disease (such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), kidney disease (including kidney stones), liver disease, certain muscle problem (myotonia congenita), pancreatitis, late pregnancy problems (preeclampsia), dehydration, severe burns/wounds, special diet (such as sodium- or potassium-restricted diet).

This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor for more information if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if increased salt intake could worsen your condition (for example, if you have heart failure).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially swelling legs/feet (due to sodium and water retention).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe diarrhea, muscle spasms.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium/phosphorus/potassium/sodium levels, kidney function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aspirin, burosumab, digoxin, eplerenone, high blood pressure drugs (including ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, ARBs such as valsartan), potassium supplements/salt substitutes, vitamin products (such as vitamin D, calcium), certain “water pills” (including potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride/spironolactone/triamterene).

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.