LOKELMA between hemodialysisHemodialysis
A procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter are used to clean the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally. treatments
If you are undergoing hemodialysisHemodialysis
A procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter are used to clean the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally. treatment, you may know that hyperkalemiaHyperkalemia
A condition in which the potassium levels in your blood are higher than normal. It can be ongoing and life threatening. 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 potassiumPotassium
A nutrient that exists in your blood and helps keep your muscles, nerves, and heart working well. It’s also important for digestive and bone health. 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 weakness, nausea, paralysisParalysis
The loss of muscle movement in part of your body., hospitalization, and serious heart problems like cardiac arrestCardiac arrest
A sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. - About 40% of people on hemodialysisHemodialysis
A procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter are used to clean the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally. still experience hyperkalemia despite having regular dialysis treatments - In one study, people on hemodialysisHemodialysis
A procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter are used to clean the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally. 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 potassiumPotassium
A nutrient that exists in your blood and helps keep your muscles, nerves, and heart working well. It’s also important for digestive and bone health. 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 can be an ongoing and life-threatening condition. 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 safer levels
LOKELMA helps keep potassium levels down on non-dialysis days
Why LOKELMA is different
LOKELMA is a potassium binderPotassium binder
A medication that works by binding or “trapping” the potassium and removing it from the body before it can enter the bloodstream.. 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 potassium and not calcium and magnesium.
LOKELMA helps you in between dialysis treatments
A daily dose of LOKELMA on non-dialysis days helps maintain potassiumPotassium
A nutrient that exists in your blood and helps keep your muscles, nerves, and heart working well. It’s also important for digestive and bone health. levels within a normal 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 to grey 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