Patiromer

Patiromer is used to treat hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in your blood) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Patiromer may also be used in adults for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Patiromer is usually taken once daily with or without food.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Patiromer oral powder should be mixed with water before you take it. Stir well and drink right away. If powder remains in the glass after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink right away; repeat as needed until you take the full dose.

Do not heat or mix patiromer oral powder with hot liquid or hot food. Do not take the dry powder without mixing it with water.

You can mix patiromer oral powder with other beverages or soft food like apple sauce, yogurt, or pudding instead of water.

While taking patiromer, your blood will need to be tested often and your dose may be changed based on the results.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You may need to follow a special diet. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

Store unmixed oral powder in the refrigerator. Do not open a medicine packet until you are ready to mix a dose.

If stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat, you should use this medication within 3 months.

Patiromer is not for emergency treatment of dangerous high potassium because it does not work fast enough.

Avoid taking other medicines by mouth within 3 hours before or 3 hours after you take patiromer.

You should not use patiromer if you are allergic to it, or if you have or have ever had:

• bowel obstruction;
• surgery on your stomach or intestines;
• a severe stomach or intestinal disorder;
• bowel problems caused by recent surgery;
• trouble swallowing;
• severe constipation; or
• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Patiromer may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• new or worsening stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, or constipation;
• low blood magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough, or choking feeling; or
• low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp.

Common side effects of patiromer may include:

• low blood magnesium levels;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• stomach discomfort, nausea; or
• gas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Hyperkalemia:

Initial dose: 8.4 g orally once a day-Monitor serum potassium level and adjust dose in 8.4 mg increments at 1-week intervals based on serum potassium level and desired target range Maintenance dose: 8.4 to 25.2 mg/day Maximum dose 25.2 g/dayComments:-This drug should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.-This drug should be administered at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications.Use: For the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time and continue with your once-daily schedule. Do not take two doses in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Avoid taking other medicines within 3 hours before or 3 hours after you take patiromer.
• Patiromer can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

Patiromer can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. If you take any of the following medications, take them 3 hours before or after you take patiromer:

• telmisartan;
• bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol;
• ciprofloxacin;
• levothyroxine;
• metformin;
• mycophenolate;
• quinidine; or
• thiamine.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect patiromer. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.