LOKELMA is a prescription medication for the treatment of high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) in adults. LOKELMA should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.
What is high potassium (hyperkalemia)?
Hyperkalemia is a condition where the potassium level in your blood is too high.
Potassium (K+) is an important nutrient, and our bodies need a certain amount to help muscles, nerves, and the heart work. Potassium also plays a part in digestion and bone health. But having too much potassium in your blood can be harmful. Your doctor can measure it with a simple blood test.
Who is at higher risk for hyperkalemia?
While many things can raise potassium levels, certain health conditions or medications can give you a higher chance of developing high potassium. These include:
Certain kidney problems
Heart Failure
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Certain medications to treat these conditions
What are the signs of high potassium?
Some people may experience:
Muscle fatigue
Tingling or unusual sensations
Weakness
However, some people with high potassium don’t feel anything! In lots of cases, high potassium is only detected during routine blood work.
Serious warning signs
High potassium can be life-threatening!
If you experience any of these serious warning signs, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Very high potassium levels are dangerous and can show up as:
Shortness of breath
Paralysis
Fluttering or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Fluttering or pounding heartbeat
LOKELMA is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia in adults. LOKELMA should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.
What role does diet play?
Adjusting what you eat may be a first step in addressing high potassium
It’s likely that your doctor or dietician will recommend changing your diet to help lower potassium levels, but in many cases that isn’t enough. Still, it’s important to know what foods are higher in potassium. Here’s a guide to some foods you may want to limit or avoid:
If changing your diet isn’t enough, the good news is that there are other options for controlling high potassium—talk to your doctor!
- Foods to enjoy in moderation
- Foods to avoid
These foods are lower in potassium
Fruits
Apples, berries (such as strawberries and blueberries), cherries, cranberries and cranberry juice, grapes, peaches, pineapple, and plums
Vegetables
Raw cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, onion, peppers, and zucchini
Other
White bread, coffee (limit to 8 ounces), noodles, white pasta, rice, and tea (limit to 16 ounces)
