Following a decision made this week by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), adults living in Scotland who have hyperkalaemia (high potassium) will now, in certain circumstances, be able to access a medicine called sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) via the NHS.
Kidney Care UK submitted patient evidence to the SMC of what this medicine might mean to people with high potassium. This decision means that this treatment is now available for more adults with chronic kidney disease (stage 3b to 5) and/or heart failure than previously.
People who have persistent blood potassium levels of 5.5 to 6.0 mmol/L and would have to reduce or stop taking blood pressure medicines sometimes called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) for them to normalise their potassium level can now be given this medicine.
The SMCs decision builds on their previous acceptance of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for patients with potassium levels above 6.0 mmol/L.
We welcome this decision for people in Scotland.
Through this consultation and what you told us we were able to convey how unpleasant high potassium levels are and the need for better treatments. Your voices help Kidney Care UK to make a difference for people with kidney disease, so thank you for your help.Fiona Loud, Policy Director, Kidney Care UK
We recommend speaking with your doctor if you would like to know more about whether the treatment might be right for you, once it becomes available.