You have been diagnosed with hyperphosphatemia. This means you have too much phosphorus in your blood. Phosphorus helps develop bones and teeth. It also helps control energy metabolism. Most cases of hyperphosphatemia are caused by other health problems, such as kidney disease.

While in the hospital, you may have been treated with medicines for hyperphosphatemia.

• Keep track of how much fluid you drink.
  • Fill one washed and rinsed gallon container (or four washed and rinsed liter containers) with water and keep the water in your refrigerator.
  • Try to drink half of this water during the course of the day, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
• Limit your intake of milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
• Limit your intake of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, and nuts.
• Limit or don't have soft drinks or colas.
• Don't have foods or beverages with added phosphorus or phosphates. Read ingredient labels for words containing "PHOS" like pyrophosphate. Talk with a dietitian, as instructed by your doctor, for a list of foods that are safe for you.

• Take all medicines exactly as directed.
• Take phosphorus-binding antacids with meals if prescribed by your doctor. These antacids bind to the phosphorus in food. This prevents it from being absorbed.
• Don't take over-the-counter medicines that contain phosphorus. These include laxatives, enemas, and supplements. Read the labels before you buy these products.
• Keep all appointments for lab work and follow-up. Your doctor needs to watch your condition closely.
• Go back to your normal activities, as directed by your doctor.

Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor, as directed.

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea that is not relieved by antidiarrheal medicine or by changing your diet.
• Constipation that lasts longer than 2 days.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.