Patiromer, Oral

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to lower the amount of potassium in your blood. Take it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• This medicine binds to many other medicines that you take by mouth, and may keep them from working properly. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: potassium-removing resin (treats high levels of potassium in the blood)

Generic and brand names: patiromer, oral; Veltassa

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to lower the amount of potassium in your blood.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• A blockage in the intestines, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, severe constipation, or bowel surgery
• Heart disease, heart failure, or an irregular heart beat
• Low levels of magnesium in your blood

Tell your provider if you are on a sodium-restricted diet, use a salt substitute that contains potassium, or take a potassium supplement.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed. Be sure you know how to take this medicine. If any instructions are not clear to you, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children.

Take this medicine 1 time a day with food. Mix the powder with water. Do not take the powder unless you mix it with water. Do not mix with orange juice or any liquid. Stir the mixture and drink it right away. If any powder is left in the glass after drinking, add more water, stir the mixture, and drink it right away.

Do not heat, microwave, or add this medicine to heated foods or liquids.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: confusion, irritability, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may lead to constipation. If you become constipated, ask your healthcare provider what product to use to relieve the constipation.

You need to have blood tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe constipation, confusion, muscle weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, breathing problems, unable to move your muscles, unusual swelling, increased thirst, severe stomach pain.

Other: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mild constipation, diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps.

What products might interact with this medicine?

This medicine binds to many other medicines that you take by mouth. This may keep the other medicines from working properly. Take other medicines 6 hours before or 6 hours after you take this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store the powder packets in the refrigerator. If taken out of the refrigerator, use the packets within 3 months. Protect the packets from heat, high humidity, and bright light. After you have mixed the powder, use it within 24 hours or throw it away.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.