Patiromer oral suspension

What is this medication?

PATIROMER (pa TIR oh mer) treats high levels of potassium in your blood. It works by binding potassium in the intestines and taking it out of the body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Veltassa

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Blockage in your bowels
• Constipation
• Dry, hard stool that will not pass out of your rectum
• Low levels of magnesium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to patiromer, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Measure one-third cup of liquid or soft food. Open the packet and put the powder in half of the liquid or soft food and stir. Add remaining liquid or soft food and stir. Add more liquid or soft food if needed. Take the mixture right away. Repeat adding more liquid or soft food if powder remains, stirring, and taking the mixture right away. Do not take as dry powder. Do not heat powder or add to heated liquids or food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Take other oral medications 3 hours before or 3 hours after this medication.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Take other oral medications 3 hours before or 3 hours after this medication.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

This medication will cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low magnesium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, use it within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.