What causes high potassium levels?

There are several possible causes of high potassium. These include:

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Kidney-related conditions

  • Chronic kidney disease (the most common cause)
  • Diabetes leading to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)
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Heart failure

Heart failure may reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys. Without proper blood flow, the kidneys can't work well, especially over time.

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Other causes

  • Trauma due to severe injuries and burns
  • Addison's disease (related to the adrenal glands)
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Certain medications

Some medications may increase potassium levels, including:

  • Certain types of blood pressure medicines
  • Medications for heart problems
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) used to reduce fever, aches, and pains
  • Water pills for some types of high blood pressure or heart problems
  • Some herbal supplements and remedies
Discuss all medicines you are taking, including supplements or natural remedies, with your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking any medication on your own. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions on which medications you should be taking.

Learn about the warning signs of high potassium and the importance of proper management.

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VELTASSA is a prescription medication used to treat high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). It is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients ages 12 years and older.

Important Safety Information Back to Top

Who should not take VELTASSA?

Do not take VELTASSA if you are allergic to VELTASSA or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before taking VELTASSA?

Before you take VELTASSA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have problems having a bowel movement, including if you have severe constipation, a blockage (obstruction) in your bowel, or dry hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum (impaction)
  • have problems with your bowels after surgery

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of VELTASSA?

VELTASSA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Worsening of bowel function
  • Low levels of magnesium in your blood (hypomagnesemia). Low levels of magnesium in the blood can happen when taking VELTASSA. Your doctor will check the magnesium levels in your blood during treatment with VELTASSA and may prescribe a magnesium supplement.

The most common side effects of VELTASSA in adult patients include: constipation, low levels of magnesium, diarrhea, nausea, stomach-area (abdominal) discomfort, and gas. The safety profile of VELTASSA in a study in pediatric patients was similar to that in adults.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of VELTASSA. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive and does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. To learn more about VELTASSA, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

VELTASSA is a prescription medication used to treat high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). It is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients ages 12 years and older.

Important Safety Information Back to Top

Who should not take VELTASSA?

Do not take VELTASSA if you are allergic to VELTASSA or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before taking VELTASSA?

Before you take VELTASSA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have problems having a bowel movement, including if you have severe constipation, a blockage (obstruction) in your bowel, or dry hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum (impaction)
  • have problems with your bowels after surgery

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of VELTASSA?

VELTASSA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Worsening of bowel function
  • Low levels of magnesium in your blood (hypomagnesemia). Low levels of magnesium in the blood can happen when taking VELTASSA. Your doctor will check the magnesium levels in your blood during treatment with VELTASSA and may prescribe a magnesium supplement.

The most common side effects of VELTASSA in adult patients include: constipation, low levels of magnesium, diarrhea, nausea, stomach-area (abdominal) discomfort, and gas. The safety profile of VELTASSA in a study in pediatric patients was similar to that in adults.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of VELTASSA. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive and does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. To learn more about VELTASSA, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Please click here for full Prescribing Information.