What is Veltassa?
Veltassa, also known as patiromer (potassium-removing agent), belongs to the class of drugs called potassium-removing agents.
Veltassa can be used to treat hyperkalemia in adults. It works by removing the excess potassium in your body.Veltassa is a powder that you mix with water and then take orally.Veltassa does not work immediately in cases of hyperkalemia that are life-threatening.
Warnings
Do not take any other medicine by mouth for 3 hours prior to or 3 hours following the use of Veltassa.Tell your doctor if or when you've had difficulty swallowing (GI, affecting the stomach and intestines), constipation (dry, hard stool that gets stuck in the rectum), bowel blockage (blockage of your intestine), a bowel problem after bowel surgery, or GI disease.
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
Veltassa should not be used if:
- Obstruction of the bowel
- Recent surgery may have caused bowel problems.
- Trouble swallowing
- Constipation is severe.
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Veltassa?
Be sure to follow all directions listed on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets provided with the medication. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Veltassa powder can be taken with or without food, once a day.
Veltassa powder should be mixed with water prior to consumption. Mix well, and then drink the entire mixture immediately. Pour, ensuring you receive the full dose, and add some more water to the same glass. Swirl gently, then drink immediately. Repeat as necessary.Don't mix the powdered oral medication with hot liquids or foods. Take the powder dry without mixing it with water.
Instead of water, you can use other soft drinks or foods such as apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding.Avoid heating the medication in a microwave or by adding it to hot liquids or foods.Your blood may need to be checked frequently and the dose adjusted based on the results.It may be necessary to follow a specific diet. You should follow the instructions given by your doctor or dietitian. Find out what foods you should or shouldn't eat.
Unmixed oral powder should be stored in the fridge. Open the medicine packet only when you are ready for a dosage.This medication should be used within three months if stored at room temperature away from moisture and warmth.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for hyperkalemia:
Initial dose: 8.4g orally, once daily.
Monitor serum potassium levels and adjust dosage in increments of 8.4 mg at intervals of 1 week based on serum level and desired range.
Maintenance dose: 8.4–25.2 mg/day
Maximum dose: 25.2 g/day
Comments:
This drug is not recommended as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia due to its delayed onset.
This drug should be taken at least three hours before or after any other oral medication.
Use: To treat hyperkalemia.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Overdose can cause low sodium. (leg cramps or weakness, increased thirst, urination or fluttering, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling).
Avoid this
Do not take other medications within 3 hours of Veltassa. Patiromer may make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medications you take orally.
Side effects of Veltassa
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, tongue or throat.
The side effects of pneumonia can be serious. If you experience:
- Low magnesium—a feeling of jitteriness, cramps, or muscle spasms. Cough.
Veltassa may cause the following side effects:
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Stomach discomfort, nausea;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
The pneumonia may make other medications you take orally less absorbable. Take Veltassa 3 hours before or following any of these medications:
- Telmisartan;
- Bisoprolol, carvedilol, and nebivolol
- Ciprofloxacin;
- Levothyroxine;
- Metformin;
- Mycophenolate;
- Quinidine;
- Thiamine.
This list is incomplete, and other drugs can interact with patients. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
