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Veltassa Coupon - Veltassa 30 packets of 8.4g carton

Veltassa

patiromer
Used for Hyperkalemia
Used for Hyperkalemia

Veltassa (patiromer) is a medication that's used to treat high potassium levels in adults. But it isn't used for life-threatening situations when potassium levels are extremely high because it works slowly. Veltassa (patiromer) comes as a packet of powder that you mix with water and then drink; generally, you only need to take one dose per day. Common side effects include bowel changes, like constipation or diarrhea. Veltassa (patiromer) is only available as a brand-name medication; there's no lower-cost generic option currently.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 27, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Veltassa (patiromer)?

What is Veltassa (patiromer) used for?

How Veltassa (patiromer) works

Veltassa (patiromer) is a potassium binder. It works by binding (attaching) to potassium in your stomach and intestines (gut) so that your body can't absorb it. It's then passed through your stool. This lowers the levels of potassium in your blood.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVeltassa
Drug ClassPotassium binder
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$1248.37(save 84.93%)
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$188.18
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What are the side effects of Veltassa (patiromer)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Constipation (7%)
  • Low magnesium levels (5%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Nausea (2%)
  • Stomach discomfort (2%)
  • Passing gas (2%)

Other Side Effects

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Veltassa (patiromer)

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Pros

Works well to treat high potassium levels

Taken once per day

Can mix with apple or cranberry juice or soft foods (not just with water like with Lokelma, another potassium-lowering agent)

Can store at room temperature for up to 3 months

Might be a better option for people with heart failure or kidney problems than other potassium binders that contain sodium (e.g., Lokelma)

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Cons

Can't use for treatment of life-threatening, high potassium levels

Only available as a powder that needs to be mixed with liquid

Need to take at least 3 hours before or after other medications

No lower-cost generic option available (brand name only)

Not approved for use in children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Veltassa (patiromer)

pharmacist

  • You can take Veltassa (patiromer) with or without food.

    • Make sure to separate Veltassa (patiromer) from other medications (3 hours before or 3 hours after). Veltassa (patiromer) can change the way other medications work in your body.

      • Don't take Veltassa (patiromer) directly in its dry form. Always mix it with water or soft foods before taking it to make sure you get the full dose and that it works the best for you.

        • If you get severe constipation, don't take Veltassa (patiromer) without talking to your provider first to make sure it's safe for you to continue taking.

          • Let your provider know if you feel unwell (e.g., diarrhea, lower appetite) because this puts you at risk for low potassium and magnesium levels. Your dose of Veltassa (patiromer) might need to be changed during this time. Or if your magnesium levels are too low, you might need to start taking a magnesium supplement.

            • Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking or planning to take. Veltassa (patiromer) can lower your potassium and magnesium levels. Some other medications can change your potassium levels or magnesium levels as well.

              • Store Veltassa (patiromer) packets in the refrigerator. You can also store the packets at room temperature, but you have to use them within 3 months. If they're stored at room temperature for longer than 3 months, throw them away and ask your provider or pharmacist for a refill.

                How to prepare and take your Veltassa (patiromer) dose:

                • Follow the directions to prepare and take your Veltassa (patiromer) dose properly and safely. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take the medication.

                  • Measure one-third cup of water, and pour half of it into an empty glass. Add the Veltassa (patiromer) powder and stir. Then, add the remaining water and stir well (the powder won't dissolve and the mixture will look cloudy). You can add more water to the mixture to make it easier for you to drink. Stir well and drink the mixture right away.

                    • If there's any powder left in your glass after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink again. Repeat until there isn't anymore powder in the glass. This is to make sure you take the entire dose.

                      • You can mix Veltassa (patiromer) with soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt, pudding) instead of water. But make sure to check the ingredients so you're not mixing Veltassa (patiromer) with soft foods or drinks with a high potassium content. Never add the powder to hot foods or liquids, or heat up the mixture (e.g., microwaved).

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Veltassa (patiromer)

                        Why is it important to take Veltassa (patiromer)?
                        If you have high potassium levels, such as due to certain medical conditions (like kidney problems) or certain medications, it's important to take Veltassa (patiromer) if it's prescribed to you. This medication helps get your potassium levels down to a safer range. Although many people don't get symptoms when there's too much potassium in the body, it can potentially be life-threatening. Some symptoms include weakness, nausea, muscle cramps or pain, and chest pain. But more seriously, it can also cause your heart to beat irregularly, which can be dangerous.
                        Does Veltassa (patiromer) cause diarrhea?
                        Yes, it's possible for Veltassa (patiromer) to cause diarrhea. In clinical studies, about 5% of people who took Veltassa (patiromer) reported having diarrhea. If you experience bothersome diarrhea while you're taking this medication, contact your provider. They can recommend ways to help manage this side effect, such as adding soluble fiber to your diet to help add bulk to your stool or over-the-counter medications. But if you have diarrhea that doesn't go away or have concerning symptoms along with diarrhea, talk with your provider right away so they can check to see what's going on.
                        How much does Veltassa (patiromer) lower potassium?
                        During the course of a year-long clinical study, up to 95% of people with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes who took Veltassa (patiromer) were able to keep their potassium levels within normal range (between 3.5 mEq/L and 5 mEq/L). About 6% of participants' potassium levels dropped too low (below 3.5 mEq/L). For this reason, be sure to keep up with lab appointments so your provider can make sure your potassium doesn't drop too low while taking this medication.
                        Does Veltassa (patiromer) need to be refrigerated?
                        Yes, you need to store the Veltassa (patiromer) powder packets in the refrigerator. If you happen to leave the packets at room temperature, that's okay too — you just need to use them within 3 months. No matter how you store it, don't use Veltassa (patiromer) after the expiration date that's printed on the packet.
                        How quickly does Veltassa (patiromer) work?
                        It can take several hours for Veltassa (patiromer) to start to work, but its effects linger. A small study showed that it took at least about 7 hours after a Veltassa (patiromer) dose for people's potassium levels to get to a desirable level. This potassium-lowering effect, however, might last for up to 2 days (48 hours). Keep in mind that everyone might respond to the medication differently.
                        Can Veltassa (patiromer) be mixed with juice?
                        The manufacturer recommends mixing Veltassa (patiromer) with water, apple juice, or cranberry juice only. The Veltassa (patiromer) powder will make the mixture look cloudy; this is okay. But if the mixture is too thick, you can add more liquid to make it more drinkable. Don't mix Veltassa (patiromer) with a blender. Also, never add the powder to hot foods or liquids, or heat up the mixture (e.g., microwaved).
                        Is Lokelma the same as Veltassa (patiromer)?
                        No. While Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) and Veltassa (patiromer) are both potassium binders that work well to treat high levels of potassium in adults, they aren't the same medication. Veltassa (patiromer) is always taken once per day. But for people who aren't on dialysis, Lokelma is taken three times per day for the first 2 days of treatment, then generally either once every day or every other day. In addition, the Veltassa (patiromer) powder can also be mixed with apple or cranberry juice or soft foods, while the Lokelma powder can only be mixed with water. Lastly, Veltassa (patiromer) might be a better option for people with heart failure or kidney problems, since it doesn't contain a high amount of sodium and raise the risk of fluid overload like Lokelma does. Discuss the best option with your provider.
                        Can you use Veltassa (patiromer) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
                        Veltassa (patiromer) can be used in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not absorbed into your body, so it's not expected to cause any harm to your unborn baby or breastfed infant. Speak to your provider if you have any concerns.
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                        What are the risks and warnings for Veltassa (patiromer)?

                        Veltassa (patiromer) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                        risk-warning

                        Worsening of stomach problems

                        Don't use Veltassa (patiromer) if you have stomach problems, like bowel obstruction (blockage in your gut) or severe constipation, without talking to your provider first. It's not known whether Veltassa (patiromer) works well for people with these conditions. It's also possible for Veltassa (patiromer) to worsen these conditions.

                        risk-warning

                        Low potassium or magnesium levels

                        • Risk factors: Stomach symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) | Starting medications that lower potassium or magnesium levels

                          Taking Veltassa (patiromer) puts you at risk for low potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). Don't start any new medications while taking Veltassa (patiromer) without talking to your provider first. Some medications can further lower your potassium levels (e.g., loop diuretics), and other medications can lower magnesium levels even more (e.g., reflux medications like omeprazole (Prilosec), thiazide diuretics).

                          If you have any of the risk factors listed above before and during treatment with Veltassa (patiromer), contact your provider. You might need to have your Veltassa (patiromer) dose lowered or get your blood drawn to check your potassium or magnesium levels. If your magnesium levels are too low, your provider might recommend you to start taking magnesium supplements to get your levels back closer to normal.

                          Symptoms of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia include muscle weakness, muscle spasms, tiredness, or tingling or numbness of your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your provider.

                          dosage

                          Veltassa (patiromer) dosage forms

                          The average cost for 1 carton of 30 packets of 8.4g of Veltassa (patiromer) is $1040.62 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.64% off the average retail price of $1248.37.
                          carton
                          Carton
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          60 packets of 1g1 carton$546.31$546.31
                          4 packets of 8.4g1 carton$188.18$188.18
                          30 packets of 8.4g1 carton$1040.62$1040.62
                          30 packets of 16.8g1 carton$1041.31$1041.31
                          30 packets of 25.2g1 carton$1033.32$1033.32

                          Typical dosing for Veltassa (patiromer)

                          The typical starting dose is 8.4 grams by mouth once per day. Your provider will change your dose based on how your potassium levels change with treatment and whether you're having side effects. The maximum dose is 25.2 grams in a 24-hour period.

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                          How much does Veltassa (patiromer) cost?

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                          Veltassa (brand)
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                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Veltassa (patiromer)?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Veltassa (patiromer). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Veltassa (patiromer)
                          Used for:
                          $188.18 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)
                          Used for:
                          $53.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Lokelma
                          Used for:
                          $832.47 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                          Veltassa (patiromer) images

                          brown - Veltassa 8.4g Powder for Suspension
                          This medicine is Brown Carton.brown - Veltassa 8.4g Powder for Suspension

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Bakris, G. L., et al. (2015). Effect of patiromer on serum potassium level in patients with hyperkalemia and diabetic kidney disease. Journal of the American Medical Association.

                          Bushinsky, D. A., et al. (2015). Patiromer induces rapid and sustained potassium lowering in patients with chronic kidney disease and hyperkalemia. Kidney International.

                          Gröber U. (2019). Magnesium and drugs. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

                          View All References (5)

                          MedlinePlus. (2021). Magnesium deficiency.

                          National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.

                          National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Hyperkalemia (high potassium).

                          Vifor Pharma, Inc. (n.d.). Taking once-daily Veltassa.

                          Vifor Pharma, Inc. (2023). Veltassa- patiromer powder, for suspension. DailyMed.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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