Are you on dialysis and taking Velphoro?
Many foods contain the mineral phosphorus. You need a certain amount to stay healthy. If you’re on dialysis, too much phosphorus can affect your overall health.
Your doctor will tell you your personal phosphorus goal, but a serum phosphorus level of 5.5 mg/dL or less—determined by a blood test—is a widely accepted benchmark.
INGREDIENTS: POTATOES, SUNFLOWER OIL, AND/OR CORN OIL, SALT, SODIUM DIACETATE, CHEESE CULTURES, ENZYMES, BUTTER, MILK POWDER, SUGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WHEY, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, OLIVE OIL.
Sometimes phosphorus is listed on food labels. Sometimes it’s not. “Phosphorus” and “phosphate” are basically two words for the same thing.
Find out more about phosphorus in foods by downloading this food label guide
Carry this guide with you when making food choices at the store.
Get the brochureFrequently asked questions about Velphoro
Velphoro is a phosphate binder. Taking Velphoro as prescribed, with meals, can help keep your phosphorus level under control.
Velphoro works like a magnet, locking up the phosphorus in the food you eat, so it doesn't get into your bloodstream and cause dangerous health conditions.
Velphoro is chewable. You can chew it, break it, or crush it; it's up to you. Just "break and take" with meals or snacks as prescribed by your doctor. Velphoro is not intended to be swallowed whole.
Take the number your doctor prescribed. You’ll probably start on Velphoro with 1 pill every time you eat a meal. Based on your progress, your doctor may adjust the dose.
Most side effects from Velphoro are mild, and usually resolve by themselves. People report diarrhea as the most common side effect, as well as nausea, stained teeth, and rash. Like other medicines containing iron, Velphoro may turn your stools dark. That's normal and expected.
Yes, Velphoro can be taken with most medicines. While Velphoro has few drug interactions, some medicines should not be taken at the same time as Velphoro, because it might change their effectiveness. Your healthcare team will advise you.
Velphoro works by locking up the phosphorus in the food you eat as you eat it. So if you miss a dose, just take your next dose with your next meal as usual.
For many people, Velphoro is included as part of your overall dialysis care through your dialysis organization. Your dialysis care team will work with you to get Velphoro.
LIGHTEN YOUR DAY BROCHURE
Get the brochureCONTROLLING YOUR PHOSPHORUS LEVELS SHEET
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