Veltassa

(Veltassa) This medication is used to treat a high level of potassium in your blood. Too much potassium in your blood can sometimes cause heart rhythm problems. Patiromer helps get rid of extra potassium by binding to it. The potassium then passes out of your body in your stool.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition, potassium lab test results, and response to treatment. Do not heat patiromer or add it to hot foods or liquids. Mix this medication with water right before taking it. Measure one-third cup of water (3 ounces/90 milliliters) and pour half of the water into a glass. Open the packet and pour its contents into the glass of water and stir well. Then add the rest of the water into the glass and stir again. If the mixture is too thick, add more water to the glass and stir again. Drink the mixture right away. If any powder is left in the glass, add more water, stir, and drink it right away to make sure you take the whole dose. Patiromer can bind to other medications that you take by mouth and prevent your body from fully absorbing them. This effect can lessen how well these other drugs work. Take patiromer at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after your other medications.

Before taking patiromer, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: problems with your bowel movement (such as severe constipation, intestinal/bowel blockage, dry hard stool/impaction, slowed bowel after stomach/intestinal surgery), low magnesium blood level. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially constipation or diarrhea. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Constipation or diarrhea may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Patiromer may cause a low magnesium blood level. Your doctor will check your level and prescribe a magnesium supplement if your level is low. Tell your doctor right away if you have: symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes like confusion). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store in the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, use it within 3 months of taking it out of the refrigerator. Avoid high heat. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.