About Kayexalate
Approved in 1958, Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate) treats hyperkalemia. This condition causes a high amount of potassium in the blood. Left untreated hyperkalemia can cause heart rhythm problems. Also, in some cases these are fatal. Keyexalate binds to the extra potassium in the intestines, and then, the body eliminates it.
Kayexalate Harmful Interactions
In September 2017, the FDA warned that orally-administered Kayexalate can conflict with other oral medications. The agency made the warning after evaluating findings of a laboratory study. Researchers studied the binding potential for six orally administered medicines commonly taken together with sodium polystyrene sulfonate:
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor and Toprol XL)
- Amoxicillin
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
The study found that significant binding to sodium polystyrene sulfonate occurred with all of the medicines. The results led the FDA to conclude that sodium polystyrene sulfonate would probably bind to many other oral medicines, reducing their effectiveness.
FDA Orders Label Update for Kayexalate
The FDA is now recommending patients not take oral versions of Kayexalate and other sodium polystyrene sulfonate products at the same time as other orally-administered drugs. The agency also increased the time window of consuming other drugs to six hours. The FDA also ordered that the labels for Kayexalate and generic versions be updated with information about dosing separation.
$10M Kayexalate Lawsuit
A Maryland jury in a medical malpractice lawsuit awarded $10 million to the estate and surviving family members of a pastor who died after treatment for liver and kidney problems at a Baltimore City hospital. The 63-year-old man went to the hospital for dialysis and treatment of rhabdomysolysis. This condition causes the death of muscle fibers and releases their contents into the bloodstream. Because of that, this process causes kidney failure.
Then, in the hospital, the man had elevated potassium levels and received Kayexalate. The medication caused irreversible colon damage. Also, the prescribing physician was unaware of the risks.
We Want to Help Victims
Manufacturers should inform you about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take, and it is the responsibility of drug companies to provide this information. If after taking Kayexalate and another medication you had a side effect, you should demand accountability. Therefore, why did the manufacturer not tell you?
We also want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous products, and we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. You may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. The types of losses are:
- Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
Also, if a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
If a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. Therefore, if you developed a side effect after taking Kayexalate, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
