Patiromer

Medically reviewed on March 25, 2018.

Pronunciation

(pa TIR oh mer)

Index Terms

• Patiromer Sorbitex Calcium

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Packet, Oral:

Veltassa: 8.4 g (1 ea, 4 ea, 30 ea); 16.8 g (1 ea, 30 ea); 25.2 g (1 ea, 30 ea)

Brand Names: U.S.

• Veltassa

Pharmacologic Category

• Antidote
• Potassium Binder

Pharmacology

Patiromer, a non-absorbed, cation exchange polymer that contains a calcium-sorbitol counterion, increases fecal potassium excretion through binding of potassium in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a reduction of serum potassium levels.

Absorption

Not systemically absorbed

Excretion

Feces

Use: Labeled Indications

Hyperkalemia: Treatment of hyperkalemia

Limitations of use: Patiromer should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to patiromer or any component of the formulation

Dosing: Adult

Hyperkalemia: Oral: Initial: 8.4 g once daily; adjust dose at ≥1-week intervals in increments of 8.4 g (maximum dose: 25.2 g/day)

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment necessary.

Dosing: Hepatic Impairment

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Reconstitution

Immediately prior to administration, measure ¹/₃ cup of water and pour half into an empty glass; empty entire contents of the packet(s) into the glass and stir. Add the remaining water to the mixture; stir thoroughly (powder will not dissolve and the mixture will look cloudy). Add more water as needed for desired consistency.

Administration

Administer without regard to food. Do not administer patiromer in its dry form. Following reconstitution, drink mixture immediately. If powder remains in the glass after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink immediately; repeat as needed to ensure the entire dose is administered. Do not heat patiromer (eg, microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids. Administer other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after patiromer.

Storage

Store at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C [77°F ± 4°F]), use within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator. Avoid exposure to excessive heat above 40°C (104°F).

Drug Interactions

Ciprofloxacin (Systemic): Patiromer may decrease the serum concentration of Ciprofloxacin (Systemic). Management: Administer oral ciprofloxacin at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after patiromer. Consider therapy modification

Levothyroxine: Patiromer may decrease the serum concentration of Levothyroxine. Management: Administer oral levothyroxine at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after patiromer. Consider therapy modification

MetFORMIN: Patiromer may decrease the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: Administer metformin at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after patiromer. Consider therapy modification

Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%:

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypomagnesemia (5% to 9%), hypokalemia (5%)

Gastrointestinal: Constipation (7%; transient), diarrhea (5%), abdominal distress (2%), flatulence (2%), nausea (2%)

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Hypersensitivity reaction (including lip edema)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• GI effects: Avoid use in patients with severe constipation, bowel obstruction or impaction, including abnormal post-operative bowel motility disorders; patiromer may be ineffective and may worsen GI conditions.

• Hypomagnesemia: Patiromer binds to magnesium in the colon, which can lead to hypomagnesemia. Monitor serum magnesium and consider magnesium supplementation if hypomagnesemia develops.

Special populations:

• Elderly: May experience more gastrointestinal adverse reactions.

Monitoring Parameters

Serum potassium and magnesium.

Pregnancy Considerations

Patiromer is not absorbed systemically following oral administration. Use during pregnancy is not expected to result in significant exposure to the fetus.

Patient Education

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, or flatulence. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of low magnesium (mood changes, muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps or spasms, seizures, tremors, lack of appetite, severe nausea or vomiting, an abnormal heartbeat) (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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