Lokelma

The active ingredient in Lokelma is sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. The mechanism of action of Lokelma involves preventing your body from absorbing potassium by binding to it in the intestines. Rather, the potassium is removed from your body through your stool, which lowers blood potassium levels. Lokelma does not affect calcium or magnesium concentrations.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Lokelma. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lokelma:

• Lokelma may interfere with the body's ability to absorb other oral medications. Take any other medications two hours before or two hours after taking this medication.
• To assist your doctor in deciding how long to treat you with Lokelma, you will need to undergo medical testing.
• Each 5-gram dose of Lokelma contains 400 mg of sodium. For people who are sensitive to sodium or who are on a low-sodium diet, this may cause fluid retention and swelling.

The most common side effects of Lokelma seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Swelling in the hands, legs, or feet.
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lokelma. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat are examples of allergic reactions.
• Low potassium symptoms include cramping or soreness in the muscles, unusual weakness or exhaustion, an erratic or fast heartbeat, and diarrhea.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lokelma. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lokelma, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Severe constipation or gastrointestinal disorders, like slowed digestion.
• Heart problems or heart failure.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• If you are having RAASI therapy (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor therapy) or take RAAS inhibitors.
• If you are on a low-salt diet.
• Edema (swelling).
• If you are not on dialysis, your doctor may also tell you to increase the dose of your diuretics.
• Tell your doctor you are taking Lokelma before having an abdominal X-ray, as it may appear on the X-ray.
• There was no difference in the mean change from baseline in interdialytic weight gain (a measure of fluid retention) between the Lokelma and placebo groups.

Lokelma contains sodium. Consult your doctor before using Lokelma if you have kidney disease or heart failure, and you should follow a low-sodium diet, or you could have adverse reactions.

According to studies, Lokelma lowers potassium within two days. Although the drug will help you maintain normal potassium levels, it may cause your potassium levels to drop even more. Throughout treatment, your doctor will monitor your serum potassium levels frequently and change your dosage as necessary.

When Lokelma is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions. This medication may interact with dabigatran, atorvastatin, and furosemide.

Your potassium level and whether you experience any side effects will determine your recommended starting dose for the treatment of hyperkalemia.

For adults in general, the usual initial dosage is 10 grams taken orally three times a day for a maximum of two days.

5 grams every other day to a 15 g dose every day is the usual dose during the maintenance phase.

For adults receiving long-term dialysis or hemodialysis, the usual initial dosage is 5 to 10 grams administered orally once daily on days when dialysis is not performed.

Usually, on non-dialysis days, the maintenance dose is 5 to 15 grams once daily.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

AstraZeneca is the company that manufactures Lokelma.

There are no generic versions of Lokelma available.

Do not stop taking Lokelma unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.