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VELTASSA binds K+ throughout the GI tract and acts longest in the colon, where K+ is most abundant1–4

When K+ excretion is disrupted by CKD and/or RAAS inhibition, K+ may build up in the colon.

VELTASSA is fully ionized at the physiological pH of the colon where it exchanges potassium for calcium
  • Na+ exchange is greatest in the ascending colon
  • Normal concentration of K+ is 7x higher in the colon than in the small intestine, and K+ secretion in the colon is further upregulated in patients with CKD
  • VELTASSA exchanges Ca++ for K+ where K+ is most abundant
    • VELTASSA is designed to be fully ionized at the physiological pH of the colon for optimal ion exchange
    • VELTASSA is designed to exchange Ca++ for K+ in the colon, where Ca++ is minimally absorbed
  • After VELTASSA binds to K+, the patiromer beads are excreted through feces, leading to the removal of excess K+ from the body
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VELTASSA is different from other K+ binders

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INDICATION

VELTASSA is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Limitation of Use: VELTASSA should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.

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INDICATION & Important Safety Information

Important Safety Information

VELTASSA is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Limitation of Use: VELTASSA should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

VELTASSA is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to VELTASSA or any of its components.

INDICATION

VELTASSA is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Limitation of Use: VELTASSA should not be used as an emergency treatment for life-threatening hyperkalemia because of its delayed onset of action.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

VELTASSA is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to VELTASSA or any of its components.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Worsening of Gastrointestinal Motility: Avoid use of VELTASSA in patients with severe constipation, bowel obstruction or impaction, including abnormal post-operative bowel motility disorders, because VELTASSA may be ineffective and may worsen gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with a history of bowel obstruction or major gastrointestinal surgery, severe gastrointestinal disorders, or swallowing disorders were not included in clinical studies.

Hypomagnecemia: VELTASSA binds to magnesium in the colon, which can lead to hypomagnecemia. In clinical studies, hypomagnecemia was reported as an adverse reaction in 5.3% of patients treated with VELTASSA. Approximately 9% of patients in clinical trials developed hypomagnecemia with a serum magnesium value <1.4 mg/dL. Monitor serum magnesium. Consider magnesium supplementation in patients who develop low serum magnesium levels.

MOST COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2%) were constipation (7.2%), hypomagnecemia (5.3%), diarrhea (4.8%), nausea (2.3%), abdominal discomfort (2.0%) and flatulence (2.0%). Mild to moderate hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 0.3% of patients treated with VELTASSA and included edema of the lips.

CKD=chronic kidney disease; GI=gastrointestinal; RAAS=renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

  1. References:
  2. Li L, Harrison SD, Cope MJ, et al. Mechanism of action and pharmacology of patiromer, a nonabsorbed cross-linked polymer that lowers serum potassium concentration in patients with hyperkalemia. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 2016;21(5):456–465. doi:10.1177/1074248416629549
  3. Sandle GI. Salt and water absorption in the human colon: a modern appraisal. Gut. 1998;43(2):294–299. doi:10.1136/gut.43.2.294
  4. Noureddine L, Dixon BS. Complications and management of hyperkalemia: implications for the use of the novel cation exchangers zirconium cyclosilicate and patiromer. Clin Invest (Lond). 2015;5(10):805–823. doi:10.4155/cli.15.48
  5. Bronner F. Mechanisms of intestinal calcium absorption. J Cell Biochem. 2003;88(2):387–393. doi:10.1002/jcb.10330