Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightLokelma Prices
sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Used for Hyperkalemia
Used for Hyperkalemia
Lokelma is a liquid medication used to treat high potassium levels in adults. It's only available as a brand name, which can be expensive. It was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2018.
Reviewed by:
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 23, 2022
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What is Lokelma?
What is Lokelma used for?
Treatment of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults
How Lokelma works
Lokelma is a potassium binder. It works by binding (attaching) to potassium in your stomach and intestines (gut) so that your body can't absorb it. It's then passed through your stool, which lowers the levels of potassium in your blood.
Drug Facts
Common BrandsLokelma
Drug ClassPotassium binder
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$963.30
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What are the side effects of Lokelma?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Source:DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
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 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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
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Pros and cons of Lokelma
Pros
Newer medication that works well to treat high potassium levels
Doesn't have a lot of side effects
Can be taken with or without food
Not absorbed in your body, so likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cons
Can't be used to quickly lower high potassium level, it takes time to work
Only available as a powder that needs to be mixed with water
Brand name only, so it might be expensive
Not for use in children
Pharmacist tips for Lokelma
To prepare your dose, empty the contents of the Lokelma packet into a drinking glass with at least 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of water. Stir well and drink immediately.
If Lokelma powder remains in your glass after drinking, add more water, stir, and drink again. Repeat until there isn't anymore powder in the glass. This is to make sure you take the entire dose.
You can take Lokelma with or without food. However, make sure to separate it from other medications (2 hours before or 2 hours after) since it can change the way other medications work in your body.
Since there are many other medications that can change your potassium levels, don't start any new medications while taking Lokelma without speaking to your provider. Also, make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you take before starting Lokelma.
It's important to follow a low-sodium diet while taking Lokelma to avoid swelling. This is because this medication contains sodium. If you get swelling or puffiness in your arms or legs, shortness of breath, need to sleep with multiple pillows, or have gained a lot of weight in a short amount of time, contact your provider.
If you get severe constipation, don't take Lokelma without talking to your provider first to make sure it's safe for you to continue using it.
Let your provider know if you feel unwell (e.g., diarrhea, lower appetite) because this might put you at high risk for low potassium levels. Your dose of Lokelma might need to be changed during this time.
Lokelma can interfere with X-rays readings in the stomach area. If you're scheduled for an X-ray of your stomach, contact your provider for instructions on whether or not you should continue taking Lokelma.
Frequently asked questions about Lokelma
Can I take Lokelma with my other medications?
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No, Lokelma should be taken by itself because it can change the way your other medications work. Don't take any other medications by mouth for at least 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking your dose of Lokelma.
Why is it important to take Lokelma?
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Lokelma is used treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which can be a life-threatening condition. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps your muscles work, including those that control your heart and lungs. Normally, your kidneys remove extra potassium in your blood so your potassium levels don't get too high. However, people with kidney problems, people who take medications that raise potassium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or spironolactone), or people with conditions associated with high potassium levels aren't able to remove all of the extra potassium. This causes potassium levels to get too high. Too much potassium can cause your heart to beat irregularly and can be life-threatening. Other symptoms include feeling tired or weak, nausea, muscle cramps or pain, and chest pain. Many people don't get symptoms, so it's important to take Lokelma if prescribed to you to help lower your potassium levels.
What's the difference between Lokelma and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)?
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Both Lokelma and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) are phosphate binders used to treat high potassium level, but they're not the same. Lokelma can only be taken by mouth in adults 18 years and older and the typical maintenance dose ranges from once per day to once every other day (after completing a higher starting dose). SPS can be used in adults and children and can taken by mouth or rectally, up to 4 times per day. Additionally, Lokelma is a brand name only whereas sodium polystyrene sulfonate is generic. Lokelma tends to have less side effects than sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Discuss the best option with your provider.
Can Lokelma be used in children?
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It's not known if Lokelma is safe or works well in children younger than 18 years old. If your child was diagnosed with high potassium levels, ask your child's provider about other treatment options, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Can Lokelma be used if i'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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Yes, Lokelma can most likely be used in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not absorbed into your body, so it's not expected to cause any harm to your unborn baby or breastfed infant. Speak to your provider if you have any concerns.
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What are the risks and warnings for Lokelma?
Lokelma can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Worsening of stomach problems
If you have stomach problems, like bowel obstruction (blockage in your gut) or severe constipation, speak to your provider before taking Lokelma. It's not known if Lokelma is safe or works well in people with these conditions.
Swelling
Risk factors: Heart failure | Kidney problems | Eating or drinking too much sodium | Taking 15 grams of Lokelma daily
Taking Lokelma can lead to swelling in your arms, legs, or other places in your body because of its sodium content (each 5 gram dose of Lokelma has 400 mg of sodium). While the swelling is typically mild or moderate, it can be dangerous for people who have medical conditions, such as heart failure and kidney problems, who need to limit how much salt they take in. If you get any swelling or puffiness in your arms or legs, feel short of breath, need to sleep with multiple pillows, or have gained a lot of weight in a short amount of time, contact your provider.
Low potassium level (people on hemodialysis)
Risk factors: Stomach symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) | Low appetite | People on hemodialysis | Taking medications that lower potassium
Taking Lokelma raises your risk for low potassium level, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking medications that lower your potassium level. Don't start any new medications while taking Lokelma without talking to your provider first, since some medications (e.g., loop diuretics) can lower your potassium levels. If you get sick (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea) and are not eating as much while taking Lokelma, contact your provider because you might need to have your dose lowered or get lab work to check your potassium level.
Lokelma dosage forms
The average cost for 30 packets of 10g of Lokelma is $803.16 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.62% off the average retail price of $963.30.
Packet
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g | 30 packets | $803.98 | $26.80 |
| 10g | 30 packets | $803.16 | $26.77 |
Typical dosing for Lokelma
Your dose of Lokelma is based on how your potassium level is responding to the medication and if you're getting side effects.
In general:
Adults: The typical starting dose is 10 grams mixed with at least 3 tablespoons of water and taken by mouth three times per day, for up to 2 days. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 5 grams every other day to 15 grams daily.
Adults on long-term dialysis: The typical starting dose is 5 to 10 grams mixed with at least 3 tablespoons of water and taken by mouth once per day on non-dialysis days only. The typical maintenance dose rangers from 5 grams to 15 grams once per day on non-dialysis days only.
How much does Lokelma cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Lokelma (brand)
What are alternatives to Lokelma?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lokelma. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Lokelma
Used for:
Treatment of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults
$803.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS)
Used for:
High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
$39.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Veltassa (patiromer)
Used for:
Treatment of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in adults
$1001.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Lokelma images
This medicine is White Packet.white - LOKELMA 10g Powder for Suspension
This medicine is White Packet.white - LOKELMA 10g Powder for Suspension
This medicine is White Packet.white - LOKELMA 10g Powder for Suspension
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