LOKELMA between hemodialysis treatments
If you are undergoing hemodialysis treatment, you may know that hyperkalemia during non-dialysis days has been shown to increase the risk of emergency room visits and hospitalization.* During the days between your dialysis days, your potassium can rise to unwanted levels. Taking LOKELMA on non-dialysis days can help keep your potassium levels down between dialysis sessions.
*LOKELMA has not been shown to reduce the risk of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
The role of kidneys
- The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in your body designed to filter blood and remove extra potassium, waste, and fluid from the body
- After being filtered, the extra potassium is then removed from your body through your urine
- When your kidneys are not working properly, the potassium level in your blood can be higher than what is considered as normal
- When potassium levels in the blood are higher than normal, it is called hyperkalemia, which can be a serious condition
Hyperkalemia in between your dialysis treatments
- Among other things, dialysis treatments help to regulate potassium in the blood
- Between dialysis treatments, potassium can rise to unwanted levels
Hyperkalemia poses a serious risk
- Hyperkalemia, if left untreated, can result in serious health issues such as weakness, nausea, potentially fatal irregular heartbeats, and even paralysis
- About 40% of people on hemodialysis still experience hyperkalemia despite having regular dialysis treatments
- In one study, people on hemodialysis who had hyperkalemia on non-dialysis days were found to have an increased risk of emergency room visits and hospitalization
Symptoms of hyperkalemia
Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include muscle fatigue, weakness, and tingling or unusual sensations which may be very mild, and hard to notice. Talk to your healthcare provider if you begin to feel any of these.
Serious warning signs of hyperkalemia
If you have very high potassium in your blood, it can be life threatening. If you begin to experience any of the following serious warning signs, don’t delay. Call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance.
Fluttering or pounding heartbeats
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Paralysis
Nausea or vomitingAbout LOKELMA
Hyperkalemia is a condition that can be serious. LOKELMA is a prescription medicine for the treatment of high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) in adults.
LOKELMA helps bring levels of potassium back down to within desirable levels
LOKELMA helps keep potassium levels down on non-dialysis days
Why LOKELMA is different
LOKELMA is a potassium binder. It works in the digestive tract where it binds potassium and removes it from the body so it doesn’t enter the bloodstream.
LOKELMA is designed to target and remove extra potassium and not calcium and magnesium
LOKELMA helps you in between dialysis treatments
A daily dose of LOKELMA on non-dialysis days helps maintain potassium levels within a desirable range, with continued treatment.
When people in the LOKELMA study came in for dialysis, their blood tests showed they had maintained a lower potassium level between dialysis sessions.
LOKELMA is a white powder that is available in 5 g and 10 g packets. LOKELMA is taken on non-dialysis days. It is important to take LOKELMA as directed by your healthcare provider.
Hyperkalemia can be an ongoing condition that can be managed over time.
It is important to keep taking LOKELMA as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Recommended dose
You’ll take one 5 g packet once a day on NON-DIALYSIS DAYS
- Your healthcare provider will monitor your potassium levels and may adjust your dose. Work with your healthcare provider to find the dose that works for you
Do not take LOKELMA on dialysis days. Tell your healthcare provider if you suddenly feel sick such as decreased oral intake of food or fluids or diarrhea, as you may be at risk of developing low levels of potassium in your blood while on LOKELMA; therefore, your dose of LOKELMA may need to be adjusted.
If you are taking other medications, you may need to take them 2 hours before or after taking LOKELMA. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medications.
How to take LOKELMA
There are 3 steps to taking LOKELMA:
Fill your cup with at least 3 tablespoons of water
Empty the entire contents of the LOKELMA packet(s) into the cup
Stir well and drink immediately. If there is powder left, add more water, stir, and drink again
LOKELMA is tasteless and odorless
LOKELMA can be taken with or without food