High Potassium Rx Gets Green Light

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication to treat high potassium levels.

This new medication is called Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate). The FDA approved it for use in adults with high levels of potassium.

Potassium can build up in the body because of a number of conditions. One cause is kidney problems, which affect how the kidneys work and, therefore, how much potassium is cleared from the body. If it's severe, high potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can be dangerous.

Lokelma is available as a powder to be mixed with water. The starting dose is three times a day for two days. It should be taken once a day after that.

Based on your potassium levels, your health care provider will adjust your dose as needed.

A common side effect of this medicine is edema, which is a buildup of watery fluid that can cause swelling in the legs.

The FDA granted approval of Lokelma to AstraZeneca.

Written By Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS