Veltassa images?

What is Veltassa, and what are its uses?

Veltassa is a medication used to treat certain electrolyte imbalances, specifically hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) in adults undergoing dialysis. It is a potassium-binding polymer that helps remove excess potassium from the body.

How does Veltassa work?

Veltassa works by binding to potassium ions in the digestive tract and preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This allows the excess potassium to be excreted in the stool, which helps to lower potassium levels in the blood [1].

What is the advantage of Veltassa compared to other treatments?

One of the main advantages of Veltassa is that it can be taken orally, which is a more convenient option for patients compared to other treatments that require injection or IV administration [2]. Additionally, Veltassa does not affect magnesium, calcium, or sodium levels in the blood, which is an added benefit for patients who may have other underlying electrolyte imbalances.

Who is eligible to take Veltassa?

Veltassa is specifically approved for use in adults undergoing hemodialysis, which means they have a high risk of developing hyperkalemia [3]. Patients who are eligible to take Veltassa should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if it is the right treatment option for their specific needs.

Where is Veltassa available?

Veltassa is available by prescription only and can be obtained through a variety of healthcare providers, including nephrologists, primary care physicians, and pharmacist-specialists [4]. Patients can also find more information about Veltassa and its availability through the manufacturer's website or through online health resources, such as the Veltassa website [5].

Patent information for Veltassa

The patent for Veltassa is owned by the manufacturer, Relypsa, and expires in 2029 [6]. This means that generic versions of Veltassa may become available after the patent expires, potentially reducing the cost of treatment for eligible patients.

References:

[1] Veltassa Prescribing Information. Relypsa, Inc.; (2021)
[2] Veltassa vs. Conventional Treatments. DrugPatentWatch.com; (2023)
[3] Hyperkalemia in Adults Undergoing Hemodialysis. Kidney International. (2023)
[4] Veltassa Availability. Relypsa, Inc.; (2023)
[5] Veltassa Website. Relypsa, Inc.
[6] Veltassa Patent Expiration. DrugPatentWatch.com; (2023)