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Overview: Veltassa is a powder that is mixed with a drink or soft food. It is used to treat high potassium levels. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, gas, and low magnesium levels. Before using Veltassa, let your healthcare provider know if you take any other medicines or have any conditions that slow down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines.

Uses

What is Veltassa used for?

Veltassa (patiromer) is commonly used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

Veltassa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Veltassa work (mechanism of action)?

Veltassa works by binding to potassium in the intestines. When Veltassa binds to potassium, the potassium is not absorbed into the body, which helps to lower potassium levels. 

How is Veltassa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Veltassa

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 g packets of powder for oral suspension
  • 8.4 g packets of powder for oral suspension
  • 16.8 g packets of powder for oral suspension
  • 25.2 g packets of powder for oral suspension

How should I store Veltassa?

Veltassa should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). It can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to three months, if needed. You should not heat Veltassa or expose it to temperatures above 104 F (40 C). Keep the medicine in its original packet until use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Veltassa?

The most common side effects of Veltassa are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Low magnesium levels
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Gas

There may be other side effects of Veltassa that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Veltassa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Veltassa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Veltassa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Veltassa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Magnesium Level (Hypomagnesemia). Veltassa can cause a low magnesium level, which can be serious. Your healthcare provider may check your magnesium levels while you are taking Veltassa. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low magnesium level.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle spasms or tremors

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Veltassa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Veltassa.

  • Veltassa
  • Patiromer
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Veltassa.

What should I know about Veltassa before using it?

Do not take Veltassa unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Veltassa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Veltassa out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Veltassa is a powder that comes in a packet. You may need to use more than one packet at a time to get your full dose. To take the powder, you will need to mix it with water, another beverage, or a soft food like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Do not mix Veltassa with hot foods or liquids. 

To mix Veltassa powder for use, measure about one-third cup (three ounces, or about 90 milliliters) of water, another beverage, or a soft food. Pour half of this amount into an empty container. Add Veltassa powder, stir well, and then add the rest of the liquid or soft food and stir. You may add more liquid or soft food if needed. Do not heat the mixture or place it in the microwave. Once the powder has been mixed, swallow it right away. If any powder is left after taking the dose, add more liquid or food, stir well, and swallow the rest of the dose. 

People who are 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Veltassa. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Veltassa?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Veltassa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Veltassa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Veltassa, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Veltassa is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Veltassa while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Veltassa is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Veltassa while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Veltassa?

For more information about Veltassa, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.veltassa.com or call them at 844-870-7597.

Interactions

Does Veltassa interact with foods or drinks?

Each dose of Veltassa should be mixed with a beverage or soft food. Do not mix Veltassa with hot foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Veltassa.

Does Veltassa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Veltassa may affect the absorption of other medicines. Avoid taking Veltassa within three hours before or three hours after taking other medicines. If you are not able to do this, speak with your healthcare provider about the best way to take your medicines. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Veltassa. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Veltassa?

If you or someone else has used too much Veltassa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Veltassa?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.