Patiromer (By mouth)

pa-TIR-oh-mer

Treats hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).

Drug classes

Exchange Resin (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Patiromer is used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood). This medicine is a potassium binder. It should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Powder

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

Do not heat this medicine or add it to heated food or liquids. Do not swallow the powder directly. It must be mixed with water.

To use:

Pour about 1 ounce of water into a cup or glass. Empty the entire contents of a packet into the cup or glass. One ounce is about 30 milliliters (mL). Stir the mixture. Add 2 ounces (60 mL) more water. Stir. This mixture will look cloudy. Drink the mixture immediately. If some powder is still in the glass, add more water. Stir this mixture, and drink it immediately.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in the refrigerator. You may store the medicine at room temperature, but it must be used within 3 months after it is taken out of the refrigerator.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Patiromer may keep other medicines from working properly. Do not use patiromer within 6 hours before or after you take another medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to patiromer.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, bowel blockage, or other bowel movement problems (such as constipation or impaction).

This medicine may cause low magnesium levels in the blood.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Veltassa

There may be other brand names for this medicine.