More adults with kidney disease in Scotland given access to treatment for high potassium levels
More adults in Scotland living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and persistent high potassium levels may now have access to sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), following a recommendation by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.
SMC accepts treatment for wider use
A treatment to reduce persistently high levels of potassium in the blood in adults living with CKD in Scotland has been recommended for a wider group of patients by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).
Kidney Research UK submitted evidence to the medicine regulator’s consultation on expanding the use of SZC, including presenting the experiences of kidney patients with persistent hyperkalaemia – a condition where levels of potassium in the blood are too high.
Why potassium matters
Potassium is an essential mineral affecting electrical impulses in nerves and muscles; dangerously high levels, however, can lead to serious complications including hospitalisation, major cardiovascular events and death.
Who could benefit?
The SMC has now recommended SZC for adults with persistent hyperkalaemia (blood potassium levels of 5.5 to 6.0 millimoles per litre or mmol/L) living with CKD stages 3b to 5 and / or heart failure. The recommendation applies to patients who would have to reduce their dose of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi), or stop taking them, to normalise their potassium levels. RAASi medicines are commonly used to protect the heart and kidneys.
SMC previously recommended SZC for patients with potassium levels above 6.0 mmol/L and this threshold is being reduced to 5.5mmol/L.
“This is welcome news for adults living with these conditions in Scotland,” said Alison Railton, Kidney Research UK’s director of policy and public affairs. “A big thank you to our supporters who volunteered to take part in a focus group and share their lived experience of these conditions.
“The stories and experiences shared by our supporters are invaluable in our work campaigning to widen treatment access for kidney patients.”
She added: “RAASi can protect the heart and kidneys so widening access to treatments that help people stay on them is vital.”
Important information for patients
If you are living with hyperkalaemia, please speak to your healthcare professional about how best to manage your treatment. This article is intended to provide general information and does not replace medical advice.
If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report side effects directly via the https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. By reporting side effects, you help improve the safety of medicines.
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