What is Renagel used for? Renagel is used to reduce the level of phosphorus in patients with end-stage renal disease that are on hemodialysis. Who should not take Renagel? You should not take Renagel if you have hypophoshphatemia (low levels of phosphorus) or bowel obstruction. General Precautions: You should stick to your prescribed diet. Review all medications with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription. If you are on other medications your doctor may want you to take them 1 hour before or 3 hours after your dose of Renagel because Renagel may bind certain drugs. Do not chew or take apart the Renagel capsules because the contents expand in water. What are some possible side effects of Renagel? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Renagel. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)