Uses

This medication is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. It works by binding to potassium in the gut. This medication does not work right away, and should not be used to treat life-threatening high levels of potassium. High potassium levels can cause symptoms such as nausea, muscle weakness/tiredness, irregular heartbeats, or paralysis.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are taking other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medication. Your doctor may direct you to start taking this medication 3 times a day for the first 48 hours, then decrease to once daily, or once every other day. Patients on dialysis should only take this medication on non-dialysis days. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will order blood tests to monitor your response to this medication.

This medication must be mixed before taking. Open the packet and pour the contents into a drinking glass with about 3 tablespoonfuls or more (45 milliliters or more) of water. Stir, then drink the mixture right away. If there is any powder left in the glass, add more water, stir and drink again. Repeat until no powder is left in the glass to make sure you take all of it.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• stomach/intestinal problems (such as constipation, blockage)
• conditions affected by the salt in this medication (such as heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling/edema)
• kidney problems

This medication contains salt (sodium). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a low-salt diet. Your doctor may direct you to adjust the salt in your diet.

People on dialysis may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially when they are sick (such as having diarrhea, eating or drinking less than usual). Tell your doctor right away if you become sick or have any of these conditions.

Before having an X-ray of your stomach/abdomen, tell X-ray personnel that you are taking this medication.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

This medication is unlikely to pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as potassium blood levels) must be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.