Demerol Injection and Renagel

• Generic Name: meperidine
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Demerol, Demerol HCl, Meperitab

Meperidine injection is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It may be used before or during surgery, or to relieve pain during labor or delivery. Meperidine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

When a narcotic medicine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: sevelamer
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Renagel, Renvela

Renagel (sevelamer) is a phosphate binder. Sevelamer helps prevent hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium in the body) caused by elevated phosphorus.

Renagel is used to control phosphorus levels in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Renagel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.