Lanthanum carbonate is used to control hyperphosphataemia (abnormally high phosphate level in the blood) in individuals with long-term kidney disease who may or may not be undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps to filter toxic substances from the blood).
Take Lanthanum carbonate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Lanthanum carbonate is available as a chewable tablet or an oral powder.
If you are taking the chewable tablet, chew it completely before swallowing. The tablets may be crushed to aid with chewing. Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole.
If you are taking the oral powder, mix or sprinkle the powder with a small amount of soft food (e.g. applesauce) and consume immediately. The sachet must not be opened until ready to use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Lanthanum carbonate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing with the next meal.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hypophosphataemia (low phosphorus levels in the blood)
- bowel obstruction
- faecal impaction (large mass of hard stool that becomes stuck in the rectum)
- ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly)
as Lanthanum carbonate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of surgery, cancer, or ulcer in the stomach or bowel
- conditions that slow down the bowel movement e.g. constipation, stomach problems due to diabetes
- peritonitis (inflammation of the tissue that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs in the abdomen)
- peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have a certain diagnostic procedure (e.g. abdominal X-ray), inform your doctor that you are taking Lanthanum carbonate.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood phosphorus, calcium and parathyroid hormone levels) may be done while you are being treated with Lanthanum carbonate. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of stomach or bowel problems may also be needed.
Lanthanum carbonate may cause any of the following side effects: headache, altered taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach wind, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe stomach pain or tenderness, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever
- severe bloating or constipation, stomach or abdominal cramps
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito) e.g. chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine
- certain antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Lanthanum carbonate.
This medicine should not be taken with some medicines listed above as Lanthanum carbonate may reduce their effectiveness. If you must take chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, tetracycline, ampicillin, ketoconazole, or levothyroxine, take them at least 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important to adhere to the diet prescribed by your doctor.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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