How is it used?

Before taking

While taking

Lanthanum is used to reduce blood levels of phosphate in patients with kidney disease. High levels of phosphate in the blood can cause bone problems. Lanthanum is in a class of medications called phosphate binders. It works by preventing absorption of phosphate from food in the stomach.

Lanthanum comes as a chewable tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three times a day with or immediately after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lanthanum exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Chew the tablets completely before swallowing; do not swallow the tablets whole.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lanthanum and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2 to 3 weeks.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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