Lanthanum: any better than good ol' TUMS?

I recently had a colleague pose the question to me as to whether lanthanum is superior to other phosphate binders. I've never had any patients on it yet. I did a bit of searching on it myself. From what I found it seems like it would be an option if you had a patient with hypercalcemia and who couldn't swallow sevelamer, since lanthanum is chewable. Given that it's so expensive and not covered under ODB, I don't see it replacing calcium-based binders as a first option.

Also, at this time is it covered under Section 8 or LUF?

Any feedback regarding experience with it would be much appreciated. I have no doubt I'll be gaining experience in the future.

Thanks

Amanda