Managing Potential Side Effects of Lokelma Use
Lokelma, a brand-name drug, is used to treat high potassium levels in adults. This medication belongs to a drug class called potassium binders and is not available in a generic version.
Common side effects of Lokelma mainly include mild gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea, as well as dose-dependent edema (swelling), particularly at higher doses like 15 g daily. There is also a risk of hypokalemia (low potassium) reported in about 10-11% of patients on typical doses.
On the other hand, Kayexalate, a drug similar to Lokelma, is more associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects. Common side effects include stomach pain, rectal pain, severe constipation, bloating, vomiting, fever, chills, and cognitive effects such as confusion or thinking problems. Serious gastrointestinal complications are possible, especially if there is a bowel obstruction. Kayexalate is not absorbed systemically, but care is needed with bowel conditions, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances.
A comparison of the two drugs reveals that Lokelma tends to have fewer and milder GI side effects with a notable risk of edema and hypokalemia, while Kayexalta is more associated with severe gastrointestinal side effects and potential serious bowel issues.
It's important to note that Lokelma may not be the right treatment for people with a bowel obstruction or blockage, including severe constipation, as it hasn't been studied in these cases.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Lokelma, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Before starting Lokelma treatment, it's important to tell your doctor if you have severe constipation, as the drug may not work to lower your potassium level in this case. After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lokelma and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may suggest decreasing your dosage or stopping treatment with Lokelma. If you develop symptoms of low potassium while taking Lokelma, talk with your doctor. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels with blood tests during your treatment.
Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, muscle spasm, cramping during exercise, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, and constipation. If you have heart failure or a kidney condition, your doctor will likely monitor for any symptoms of edema while you're taking Lokelma.
In clinical trials, Kayexalate reported side effects such as constipation, appetite loss, and nausea and vomiting. Lokelma, however, does not cause constipation, unlike some other medications prescribed to treat hyperkalemia.
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.
In conclusion, while both Lokelma and Kayexalate are used to treat high potassium levels, they have distinct side effect profiles. It's crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about your treatment.
- Lokelma, a medication used to manage medical-conditions such as hyperkalemia, may lead to dose-dependent edema and a risk of hypokalemia, as well as mild gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea.
- In comparison to Lokelma, therapies-and-treatments like Kayexalate are often associated with more severe gastrointestinal side effects, including potential serious bowel issues.
- When considering health-and-wellness, it is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the side-effect profiles of both Lokelma and Kayexalate for making informed decisions about treatment choices.
