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Patiromer

Patiromer is a potassium-binding oral medication used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood) in adults and adolescents ages 12 and older.

Brand name Veltassa
Drug class Potassium Binder
Rx Form 1
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026 Content updated Oct 2, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 1 clinical label set within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

✓No current FDA shortage listed · checked Oct 6, 2026
Patiromer at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
The Pharmacist’s Take By · Clinical pharmacist · Written

Patiromer (Veltassa) is a potassium binder for hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood), a powder that is never absorbed but grabs potassium in the gut so it leaves in the stool, and since about 2015 it has become a common long-term option, often letting people with kidney disease or heart failure stay on medicines that push potassium up. Most people handle it well, with mostly bowel effects, constipation above all, sometimes gas or nausea. The thing to watch is magnesium, which it can slowly pull down, so keep up with blood tests for both magnesium and potassium. It works over hours to days, so it is not for potassium emergencies.

Clinical pearls

  • Space other oral medicines at least 3 hours from it, especially levothyroxine, ciprofloxacin and metformin, which it binds.
  • Stir the powder into water or a soft food like applesauce or yogurt and take it right away, never dry.
  • Common blood pressure medicines like ACE inhibitors and most ARBs tested fine with it, but carvedilol and telmisartan still need spacing.
  • Tell your prescriber if constipation turns severe or lingers, and mention any past bowel blockage or major bowel surgery before starting.
How we write & review this content — our editorial policy →
How you get itPrescription only
Comes asOral suspension
Earliest FDA record2015
Companies listing it with the FDA1
FDA label last updatedJan 31, 2025
FDA’s strongest warning (boxed)None on the label

Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Patiromer, written from its FDA label.

What Patiromer is used for

▾

Patiromer is used to treat hyperkalemia — high potassium levels in the blood. Here's what the evidence supports:

  • Veltassa oral suspension is approved to treat hyperkalemia in adults
  • Veltassa oral suspension is approved to treat hyperkalemia in adolescents ages 12 to 17 years
  • Veltassa is not for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalemia — it works gradually and is intended for ongoing management
  • Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under age 12

How Patiromer works

▾

Veltassa is a non-absorbed polymer — think of it as a chemical sponge that stays entirely inside your digestive tract. After you swallow it, it travels through your gut and physically binds to potassium in the intestinal lumen (the inside of your bowel). Holding onto that potassium, it carries it out of the body in your stool. Less free potassium in the gut means less potassium gets absorbed back into your blood, so your blood potassium level gradually falls.

Because Veltassa works mechanically in the gut rather than through the bloodstream, it takes several hours to begin lowering potassium levels — which is why it is used for ongoing control, not urgent rescue.

Patiromer dosage

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Veltassa is taken by mouth once daily, mixed into water or a soft food right before drinking. It can be taken with or without a meal. Your doctor will start you on a dose and may adjust it over time — typically no more often than every week — based on your blood potassium results.

  • Never take the powder dry
  • Do not heat it or mix it into hot foods or liquids
  • Space most other oral medications at least 3 hours before or after your Veltassa dose
  • Always follow your prescriber's specific instructions; doses vary by age and are individualized

Dosing details from the FDA-approved label

From the Patiromer prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.

  • Adults
    • Recommended starting dose is 8.4 grams patiromer orally once daily
    • The dose can be up-titrated based on serum potassium level at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 8.4 grams
    • Maximum: 25.2 grams once daily
    • Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose based on the serum potassium level and the desired target range; administer at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications
  • Pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age
    • Recommended starting dose is 4 grams patiromer orally once daily
    • The dose can be titrated based on serum potassium level at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 4 grams
    • Maximum: 25.2 grams once daily
    • Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose based on the serum potassium level and the desired target range
Read the label’s full dosing text

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For adults, the recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 8.4 grams administered orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) For adults, adjust dose by 8.4 grams daily as needed at one-week intervals to obtain desired serum potassium target range. ( 2.2 ) For pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, the recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 4 grams administered orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) For pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, adjust dose by 4 grams daily as needed at one-week intervals to obtain desired serum potassium target range. ( 2.2 ) The maximum recommended dosage in adults and pediatric patients older than 12 years is 25.2 grams once daily. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 General Information Administer Veltassa at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after other oral medications except those shown to not have a clinically important interaction [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Do not heat Veltassa (e.g., microwave) or add to heated foods or liquids. Do not take Veltassa in its dry form. 2.2 Recommended Dosing and Titration The recommended starting dose of Veltassa varies with age and is shown below. Multiple packets may be used to achieve the prescribed dose. Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose of Veltassa based on the serum potassium level and the desired target range. The dose may be increased or decreased, as necessary, to reach the desired serum potassium concentration, up to a maximum dose of 25.2 grams once daily in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Adults: The recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 8.4 grams patiromer orally once daily. The dose can be up-titrated based on serum potassium level at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 8.4 grams. Pediatric Patients Ages 12 years and older: The recommended starting dose of Veltassa is 4 grams patiromer orally once daily. The dose can be titrated based on serum potassium level at 1-week or longer intervals, in increments of 4 grams. 2.3 Preparation of Veltassa Prepare each dose immediately prior to administration. Measure 1/3 cup of water. Pour half of the water into a glass, then add the packet(s) of Veltassa and stir. Add the remaining half of the water and stir thoroughly. The powder will not dissolve and the mixture will look cloudy. Add more water to the mixture as needed for desired consistency. Drink the mixture immediately.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →

Patiromer side effects

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Most side effects with Veltassa are mild to moderate and involve the digestive system. Common ones include:

Common side effects

  • Constipation
  • Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia)
  • Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain
  • Gas (flatulence)

When to get medical help

  • Call your doctor if you develop signs of low magnesium (muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, weakness) — Veltassa can lower magnesium levels
  • Contact your doctor if constipation becomes severe or does not improve — Veltassa can worsen bowel problems
  • Seek medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips or face
  • Tell your doctor if your potassium falls too low (hypokalemia) — symptoms include muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat

More seriously, Veltassa can lower your magnesium or potassium levels enough to require treatment — your doctor will monitor these with blood tests. Rarely, mild allergic reactions such as lip swelling have been reported; seek care promptly if this happens.

Patiromer warnings and precautions

▾
  • Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia): Veltassa binds magnesium in the colon as well as potassium. About 5% of patients in clinical studies developed low magnesium. Your doctor should check magnesium levels regularly and may recommend a supplement if they drop.
  • Bowel problems: Avoid Veltassa if you have severe constipation, a bowel blockage, or certain post-operative bowel motility disorders — it may be ineffective and could worsen these conditions.
  • Hypokalemia (potassium dropping too low): About 5% of patients in trials developed potassium levels that fell below normal. Routine blood monitoring helps catch this early.
  • Not for emergencies: Veltassa has a delayed onset of action and must not be used as a rapid treatment when high potassium is life-threatening.

Patiromer interactions

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Veltassa can bind to other oral medications in the gut and reduce how much your body absorbs of them — even if those medications seem unrelated to potassium. Here are the key points:

  • Ciprofloxacin, levothyroxine, metformin: Veltassa significantly reduces absorption of these drugs when taken together — always separate by at least 3 hours
  • Telmisartan, bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol, quinidine, thiamine, mycophenolate mofetil: In-lab testing showed potential binding — separate by at least 3 hours
  • Most other oral medicines: As a precaution, take any oral drug not confirmed safe to co-administer at least 3 hours before or after Veltassa
  • Medicines confirmed not to interact significantly: Metoprolol, furosemide, warfarin, amlodipine, most ACE inhibitors, most ARBs (except telmisartan), spironolactone, and several others — no dose separation required for these

Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label

From the Patiromer prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.

  • Other oral medications not listed in Table 3: Veltassa has the potential to bind some oral co-administered medications, which could decrease their gastrointestinal absorption and cause loss of efficacy when taken close to the time Veltassa is administered. Administer other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Veltassa.
  • Telmisartan (ARB): Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol (β-blockers): Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Ciprofloxacin: Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Levothyroxine: Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Metformin: Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Mycophenolate mofetil: Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Quinidine, thiamine: Binding by Veltassa may reduce systemic exposure and decrease clinical efficacy. Separate administration by at least 3 hours from Veltassa.
  • Drugs in Table 3 (e.g., ACE inhibitors, other ARBs, metoprolol, loop diuretics, MRAs, SGLT-2 inhibitors, warfarin, amlodipine, digoxin, lithium): No clinically significant binding was observed; no clinically important interaction. No separation of dosing is required for these drugs.
Read the label’s full interactions text

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Veltassa has the potential to bind some oral co-administered medications, which could decrease their gastrointestinal absorption. Binding of Veltassa to other oral medications not listed in Table 3 below could cause decreased gastrointestinal absorption and loss of efficacy when taken close to the time Veltassa is administered. Administer other oral medications at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Veltassa [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Take other orally administered drugs at least 3 hours before or 3 hours after Veltassa except those shown to not have a clinically important interaction. ( 2.1 , 7 ) 7.1 Clinically Important Interaction of Veltassa with Other Drugs The in-vitro binding of the following drugs to patiromer was evaluated and potentially clinically significant binding was observed. Some drugs were subsequently tested in-vivo and significant reduction in systemic exposure was observed [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Binding by Veltassa may reduce the systemic exposure and decrease the clinical efficacy of the co-administered drugs shown in Table 2. The administration of these drugs (and any drugs not listed in Table 3) should be separated by at least 3 hours from Veltassa. Table 2: Clinically important drug interactions of Veltassa Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) Telmisartan β-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blocker) Bisoprolol, carvedilol, nebivolol Antibiotics Ciprofloxacin Anti-Parathyroid Agents and Thyroid Preparations Levothyroxine Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs Metformin Immunosuppressants Mycophenolate mofetil Others Quinidine, thiamine 7.2 No Observed Clinically Important Interaction of Veltassa with Other Drugs The binding of the following drugs to patiromer was evaluated [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] and no clinically significant binding was observed. No separation of dosing is required for these drugs.

Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Drug Interactions section on DailyMed →

Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.

🌿17 supplements and herbs with documented Patiromer interactions, ranked by severity Check Patiromer against a supplement or herb →

Before taking Patiromer

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  • Allergy: Do not take Veltassa if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients
  • Bowel obstruction or severe constipation: Veltassa should be avoided if you have a bowel blockage, severe constipation, or abnormal post-surgical bowel function
  • History of major GI surgery or serious GI disorders: These patients were not included in clinical studies — use with caution and discuss risks with your doctor
  • Children under 12: Safety and effectiveness have not been established; current evidence suggests the studied doses were not effective in ages 6 to under 12
  • Older adults (65+): No difference in effectiveness, but GI side effects were more common in this group
  • Kidney disease: No dose adjustment needed; most patients in studies had chronic kidney disease
  • Pregnancy: Veltassa is not absorbed into the bloodstream, so fetal risk is not expected — but always discuss with your doctor
  • Breastfeeding: Not absorbed by the mother, so risk to the infant is not expected — confirm with your doctor

Patiromer overdose

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Taking more Veltassa than prescribed could cause your potassium levels to drop too low — a condition called hypokalemia. Symptoms can include muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat. If this happens, restoring potassium to a normal level is the treatment. Doses higher than about 50 grams per day have not been studied.

What Patiromer does in the body

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Veltassa works by increasing the amount of potassium your body removes through stool rather than through urine. In studies, meaningful reductions in blood potassium were seen as early as 7 hours after the first dose, with continued decline over 48 hours of treatment. Once Veltassa is stopped, potassium levels begin to rise again within a day or two, showing that the effect depends on ongoing use.

How your body processes Patiromer

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Veltassa is not absorbed into the body at all — it stays entirely within the digestive tract and is excreted in the stool. Because it never enters the bloodstream, it does not have a traditional half-life or metabolic pathway. Its interaction with other drugs happens locally in the gut, which is why spacing other medications 3 hours apart is so effective at preventing those interactions. Veltassa can be taken with or without food without affecting how well it works.

How to store Patiromer

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Veltassa should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). stored at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C ), Veltassa must be used within 3 months of being taken out of the refrigerator. , do not use Veltassa after the expiration date printed on the packet.

Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

17

Supplements & herbs that interact with Patiromer

17 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Patiromer in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 1
  • Moderate · 7
  • Minor · 9
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Major COFFEE CHARCOAL Moderate EUROPEAN MANDRAKE Moderate GLUCOMANNAN Moderate GUAR GUM Moderate GUM ARABIC Moderate SLIPPERY ELM Moderate TRAGACANTH Moderate +9 more
Every supplement checked against Patiromer — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 1 major · 7 moderate · 9 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Patiromer against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

Patiromer: pharmacist answers to common questions

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Patiromer — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

What exactly is Veltassa doing in my body?

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Think of Veltassa as a sponge that you swallow. It travels through your gut, latches onto excess potassium in your intestines, and carries it out of your body in your stool. It never actually enters your bloodstream — it just grabs the potassium before your body can reabsorb it. Over time, this brings your blood potassium down to a safer range.

How do I mix and take this medication correctly?

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Mix the packet of powder into about a third of a cup of water — or a soft food like applesauce or yogurt — right before you take it. Stir it well, drink it immediately, and if powder is left in the glass, add a little more water, stir again, and drink that too. Never take it dry, and never heat it or add it to hot food or drinks. You can take it with or without a meal — that part doesn't matter.

Does Veltassa interact with my other medications?

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Yes, this is really important. Because Veltassa binds things inside your gut, it can grab onto other oral medications and reduce how much your body absorbs. The simple fix is timing: take your other oral medicines at least 3 hours before or after your Veltassa dose. A few drugs — like the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, thyroid medication levothyroxine, and metformin — were specifically shown to be absorbed less when taken at the same time as Veltassa, but fine when spaced 3 hours apart. Always let your pharmacist review your full medication list.

What side effects should I watch out for?

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The most common ones are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and gas — most are mild and constipation often improves on its own. The one to keep an eye on is your magnesium level: Veltassa can lower magnesium over time, which is why your doctor will do blood tests periodically. If you notice muscle cramps, unusual weakness, or an irregular heartbeat, call your doctor — those can be signs of low magnesium or potassium.

Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

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Veltassa is not absorbed into your bloodstream at all — it stays in your gut and leaves in your stool. Because of that, it's not expected to reach your baby during pregnancy or through breast milk. That said, always let your doctor know you're pregnant or nursing so they can make the best decision for your specific situation.

How soon will Veltassa start working, and what if I miss a dose?

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Veltassa begins to lower potassium within several hours of your first dose, but it's not instant — that's why it's not used in emergencies. It's meant for steady, day-to-day control. Your doctor will check blood tests regularly to see how it's working and adjust your dose if needed. If you miss a dose, just take your next scheduled dose as usual — don't double up. And if you ever stop taking it, your potassium levels will start rising again, so don't stop without talking to your doctor first.

Is Patiromer available over the counter?

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No. Patiromer is a prescription medicine: every Patiromer product listed with the FDA is prescription only, so it is not sold over the counter. Your prescriber decides whether it is appropriate for you, and your pharmacist dispenses it.

When was Patiromer first available?

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The earliest FDA record we hold for Patiromer is from 2015: its first approval in Drugs@FDA or its earliest product listing in the NDC Directory, whichever is older. Many older medicines were in use before their first formal FDA approval, so this is the earliest date on record, not necessarily when Patiromer was first used.

Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →

More about Patiromer on HelloPharmacist

📊Patiromer supplement interactions17 checked — ranked by severity 🌿Drug & Supplement CheckerPatiromer vs. vitamins & herbs 💬Ask a PharmacistFree answer, usually < 24h 🔎NDC & pricing lookupFind Patiromer NDCs & costs 🅰️Browse Drugs A–ZLook up any medication
Detailed data & references for Patiromer Forms & strengths, pricing, billing codes, manufacturers, safety reports and sourcing — the data behind the page. Most people can stop here. Each section below opens on a tap.

Patiromer forms and strengths (how it comes)

Patiromer is available in 1 form. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Need a version that does not list lactose, a gluten source, a dye or gelatin? Inactive ingredients differ by manufacturer: see Patiromer inactive ingredients by manufacturer.

Oral suspension

By mouth
Brands Veltassa
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Veltassa oral suspension is used to treat hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) in adults
  • Veltassa oral suspension is approved for adolescents ages 12 to 17 years with hyperkalemia
  • Veltassa oral suspension is not intended for emergency treatment of life-threatening hyperkalemia due to its gradual onset
Important instructions
  • Veltassa powder is mixed with water or a soft food (such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding) immediately before each dose — never taken dry
  • Veltassa can be taken with or without food; take it once daily as directed by your prescriber
  • Take most other oral medicines at least 3 hours before or after Veltassa to avoid binding interactions
  • Do not heat Veltassa or add it to hot foods or liquids
Available strengths 4 strengths
1 g 8.4 g 16.8 g 25.2 g
10 FDA-listed product records ⓘ

Patiromer on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands

How Patiromer appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

1 company lists 4 Patiromer product records with the FDA, mostly as oral suspension; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 2015. Brand names on the directory include Veltassa; the rest are generics.

1
Dose forms ⓘ
1
Labelers (makers, repackagers, distributors)
1
Brand names
4
FDA-listed product records ⓘ
2015
Earliest FDA record ⓘ

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (2) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

How widely Patiromer is used (Medicaid data)

A general measure of how commonly Patiromer is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Patiromer is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

13,474
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$14.3M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Patiromer prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Patiromer ranks #881 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 45% of them.

Where Patiromer ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5
Total prescriptions — #881 of 1,601
#876 Latanoprostene Bunod O... 13,742 Rx #877 Mexiletine 13,632 Rx #878 Chlorpheniramine 13,569 Rx #879 Clorazepate 13,540 Rx #880 Doxylamine 13,518 Rx #881 Patiromer 13,474 Rx #882 Deflazacort 13,468 Rx #883 Ocrelizumab Injection 13,323 Rx #884 Clindamycin Injection 13,123 Rx #885 Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd... 13,066 Rx #886 Mebendazole 13,051 Rx

Utilization by Patiromer product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 8400 mg powder for oral suspension is the most-dispensed Patiromer product — about 86% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

patiromer 8400 MG Powder for Oral Suspension Most dispensed

11,620 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 86% of Patiromer prescriptions shown $12.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $1,051 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 2 of 5 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1716209

patiromer 16800 MG Powder for Oral Suspension

1,854 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 14% of Patiromer prescriptions shown $2.1M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $1,128 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 1716217

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Patiromer, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 3 of 7 listed Patiromer NDCs with Medicaid activity.

Compare Patiromer products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Patiromer — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Strength Route Manufacturer / Labeler Category ⓘ Details
💊Oral suspension
1 g Oral Vifor Pharma, Inc. NDA View NDC →
8.4 g Oral Vifor Pharma, Inc. NDA View NDC →
16.8 g Oral Vifor Pharma, Inc. NDA View NDC →
25.2 g Oral Vifor Pharma, Inc. NDA View NDC →

Showing 4 of 4 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 4 Patiromer NDCs →

Patiromer side effects reported to the FDA (FAERS)

After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Patiromer — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.

The effects most often named in FDA reports that mention Patiromer are constipation, death, diarrhoea; about 49% of the reports were classed as serious. These are voluntary reports, so they show what people report, not how often it happens.

13,761
Reports mentioning it
49%
Reported as serious
12
Distinct effects shown
Most reported effects
Constipation
2,143
Death
1,823
Diarrhoea
1,294
Hospitalisation
974
Blood Potassium Increased
801
Nausea
709
Malaise
582
Abdominal Discomfort
541
Inappropriate Schedule Of Drug Administration
461
Vomiting
447
Age groups
Elderly · 435Adult · 301Adolescent · 6Infant · 2Child · 1

Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Patiromer in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Patiromer FDA approval history

How Patiromer went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.

Patiromer was first approved by the FDA in 2015 (Brand: VELTASSA · Vifor Pharma). It remains available in U.S. pharmacies today.

2015
Brand approved
Brand: VELTASSA · Vifor Pharma
2026
Available today
Active in U.S. pharmacies

Source: Drugs@FDA.

Patiromer recall history

A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.

The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Patiromer recalls since July 2021.

✅No Patiromer recalls on record since July 2021

Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Patiromer RxCUI 1716203 1 dose form · 4 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Powder for Oral Suspension RxCUI 1716208 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 1000 MG RxCUI 2692050 8400 MG RxCUI 1716209 16800 MG RxCUI 1716217 25200 MG RxCUI 1716221

Look up RxCUI 1716203 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

💵 What Patiromer costs pharmacies (NADAC benchmark)

The national average invoice price pharmacies pay for the drug itself, from CMS's NADAC survey (data as of Sep 30, 2026). This is a supply-cost benchmark — not a retail price and not what you'd pay at the counter.

FormStrengthPharmacy acquisition benchmark
Powder, For Suspension · Oral 8.4 g $34.02–$45.48 each NDC details & price history
Powder, For Suspension · Oral 16.8 g $33.97 each NDC details & price history
Why show this? Your out-of-pocket cost depends on insurance, pharmacy markup, and discounts — but the acquisition benchmark tells you whether the medication itself is inexpensive or costly, which strengths cost more per dose, and whether a cash-price quote is in a reasonable range. Each row links to the NDC-level record with its full price history.

Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), a survey of retail pharmacy invoice prices. Benchmarks shown are the range across package sizes of a representative product for each form and strength — other manufacturers' products may differ.

Patiromer brand names

Patiromer is sold under one brand name in the FDA directory — Veltassa. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.

Veltassa

Who makes Patiromer: manufacturers and labelers

One company lists Patiromer products with the FDA. By number of product records, the largest are Vifor Pharma, Inc.. Labelers include manufacturers and repackagers; the product in your bottle depends on which one your pharmacy stocks.

Vifor Pharma, Inc. 4

Patiromer drug class (RxNorm)

Patiromer belongs to the Potassium Binder class.

Pharmacologic class Potassium Binder
How it works Potassium Ion Binding Activity

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

Sources for this Patiromer page

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Jan 31, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Patiromer.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Patiromer after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
1
Finished products in the current FDA directory
4
Companies listing them (makers, repackagers, distributors)
1
FDA labeler codes behind them ⓘ
1
Linked representative label ⓘ
Vifor Pharma, Inc.
Linked label effective
Jan 31, 2025
Composite sections available
22
Linked SPL Set ID
bf002984-d6c9-46df-aecb-a07733f763c1
Linked SPL Document ID
3e4b6452-1c7c-4f58-aee4-12fb185aaa83
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How this page is built

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Vifor Pharma, Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →