[Is lanthanum carbonate a safe drug?]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Lanthanum carbonate is emerging as an oral phosphate binder.
• It shares characteristics with aluminum hydroxide, including being a heavy metal that ionizes in the GI tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of lanthanum carbonate as a phosphate binder.
• To investigate the absorption and potential accumulation of lanthanum in the body.

Main Methods:

• The study focuses on the chemical properties and known biological interactions of lanthanum carbonate.
• It draws parallels with the established heavy metal phosphate binder, aluminum hydroxide gel.

Main Results:

• Lanthanum carbonate is absorbed through the intestine and can accumulate in the body, albeit in smaller amounts than aluminum hydroxide.
• Currently, no adverse toxicity reports exist for accumulated lanthanum.

Conclusions:

• While lanthanum carbonate shows promise as a phosphate binder, its potential for long-term toxicity due to accumulation is not yet fully understood.
• Further research is required to establish the long-term safety profile of lanthanum carbonate.