veverimer(Pending FDA approval)

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Mechanism of Action:  

veverimer is a non-absorbed, orally administered, potassium-binding polymer. It works by binding to potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract and exchanging them with calcium ions. This binding reduces the potassium available for absorption from the diet and promotes its excretion in the feces. By reducing potassium absorption, veverimer helps lower elevated blood potassium levels. 

Spectrum of Activity:  

veverimer has a specific activity focused on managing hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can occur in various conditions, including chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and the use of certain medications. In these contexts, veverimer can be used in adult patients to treat and control hyperkalemia. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

N/A 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

N/A 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Bowel Obstruction: A bowel obstruction may prevent the proper passage and elimination of veverimer through the gastrointestinal tract. 
• Impaired Gastrointestinal Motility: Impaired motility may affect the transit of veverimer through the intestines and hinder its effectiveness. 
• Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe allergic reactions. 

Caution: 

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: veverimer should be used cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders that may affect gastrointestinal motility.  
• Hypomagnesemia: veverimer may bind to magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased magnesium absorption.  
• Fluid Overload: veverimer can potentially increase gastrointestinal motility, which may lead to an increased risk of fluid overload in patients with heart failure or renal impairment. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

veverimer is a non-absorbed, orally administered, potassium-binding polymer. It binds to potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the colon’s lumen. By binding to potassium, veverimer reduces the free potassium available for absorption, leading to decreased potassium absorption from the diet. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamic effect is achieved through its ability to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract. By reducing potassium absorption, veverimer helps to lower serum potassium levels over time. The bound potassium is excreted in the feces, increasing fecal potassium excretion. This binding and excretion process helps restore and maintain potassium homeostasis in patients with hyperkalemia. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

veverimer is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is designed to act locally within the gastrointestinal lumen to bind potassium. Due to its high molecular weight and large size, veverimer remains in the gastrointestinal tract without significant systemic absorption. 

Distribution 

veverimer does not undergo significant distribution in the body because it remains largely confined to the gastrointestinal lumen.  

Metabolism 

veverimer is not metabolized in the body. Since it is not absorbed systemically, it does not undergo metabolic processes like other drugs. 

Elimination and Excretion 

veverimer is excreted primarily in the feces. It acts as a potassium-binding polymer in the gastrointestinal tract, binding to potassium ions and facilitating their excretion in the feces. The bound potassium is eliminated through the normal process of fecal excretion. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

N/A 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: veverimer (Pending FDA approval) 

Why do we use veverimer (Pending FDA approval)? 

Veverimer is primarily used to manage hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. Here are the primary uses of veverimer: 

• Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): It is indicated for treating hyperkalemia in adult patients with CKD. In CKD, the kidneys may have a reduced ability to excrete excess potassium, leading to elevated potassium levels in the blood. veverimer helps lower and maintain potassium levels within the normal range in these patients. 
• Hyperkalemia in Heart Failure: veverimer is also used to treat hyperkalemia in adult patients with heart failure who are at risk of or experiencing elevated potassium levels. Heart failure can lead to impaired kidney potassium regulation, contributing to hyperkalemia.