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Veltassa
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.
What is Veltassa (patiromer)?
What is Veltassa (patiromer) used for?
- Treatment of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults
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 Brands | Veltassa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Potassium binder |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Low potassium levels (below the normal range)
The following Veltassa (patiromer) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Low magnesium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors
- Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
$241.99
GoodRx discount
$183.90
Pros and cons of Veltassa (patiromer)
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)
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 for Veltassa (patiromer)
- 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).
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.
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.
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.
Veltassa (patiromer) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 30 packets of 8.4g of Veltassa (patiromer) is $996.26 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 39.26% off the average retail price of $1,640.12. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 packets of 8.4g | 1 carton | $996.26 | $996.26 |
| 30 packets of 16.8g | 3 cartons | $2,969.82 | $989.94 |
| 30 packets of 25.2g | 1 carton | $989.98 | $989.98 |
| 4 packets of 8.4g | 1 carton | $183.90 | $183.90 |
| 60 packets of 1g | 1 carton | $517.50 | $517.50 |
Typical dosage 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.
How much does Veltassa (patiromer) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Veltassa (brand)
$183.90
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.
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