Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Veltassa. It can help lower the potassium level in your body if it is too high. This is important to prevent problems with your heart and muscles.

Veltassa is often taken one time each day with food. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your potassium levels. If needed, your doctor may change your dose. 

Veltassa is a powder medicine that you must mix with water before taking. To prepare the dose, you should measure one-third of a cup of water. Pour half of the measured water into a glass. Next, add the Veltassa powder. Finally, add the remaining water and stir well. The powder will not dissolve and the mixture will be cloudy. You should drink the mixture immediately after mixing. If there is powder left in the glass, you should add more water, stir, then drink it. You can repeat until all the powder is gone. You should never heat the powder or add it to heated food or liquids. 

Most people tolerate Veltassa well, but some side effects can occur. These include nausea and either constipation or diarrhea. You could also have gas or abdominal discomfort. These effects are normal if they are mild. If these or other side effects make you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

Drug interactions can occur with other medicines that are taken by mouth. To prevent this, you should not take other medicines by mouth in the 3 hours before your Veltassa dose or in the 3 hours after.  

For best results with Veltassa, be sure to get your lab tests done promptly and keep your doctor's appointment as scheduled.