Taking Medications While on Dialysis
Your care team will monitor your health through the blood work you have at your regular lab appointments. Based on your lab results, your doctor may change or adjust your dialysis medication and vitamin prescriptions. Remember to tell your care team about any medications you’re taking-including over-the-counter medications and any medications prescribed by another doctor.
Following directions for each of your kidney failure medications
Common medications and vitamins for dialysis patients
MEDICATION OR VITAMIN | WHAT IT DOES AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT |
Blood Pressure Medications | Help to control blood pressure in people on dialysis with hypertension (high blood pressure). Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause stress on your heart and lead to serious health complications over time. |
Epogen, Aranesp or Mircera | Helps your body create more red blood cells and raise your hemoglobin level to help fight anemia and decrease the need for a red blood cell transfusion. |
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) | Replace the erythropoietin your kidneys aren't producing, helping your body make new red blood cells. Your doctor may prescribe ESAs to treat anemia associated with CKD. |
Heparin | Prevents blood clots from forming as blood flows through dialysis tubing or the dialyzer during treatment. |
Iron | Helps enhance hemoglobin production and treat anemia due to blood loss or deficiencies of iron in diet. Iron is needed to make red blood cells and keep you feeling your best. It may be given intravenously during dialysis or orally. |
Korsuva or Gabapentin | Relieves pruritis, or itchy skin, that may be experienced by people on dialysis. Some pruritis medications can be taken at home while others must be administered in-center. |
Nutritional Vitamin D | Works to correct the vitamin D deficiency that is common with kidney failure and may have additional health benefits. Nutritional vitamin D may be taken orally at home. |
Phosphate Binder | Reduce the absorption of phosphorus (PHOS) consumed in foods and drinks. Phosphate binders prevent the buildup of phosphorus in the body, since very little is removed during dialysis. Talk to your care team about your calcium level to learn if a non-calcium-based binder may be better for you. |
Renal (Kidney) Vitamin | Replaces vitamins and nutrients that are lost during dialysis or not adequately received through daily diet. Water-soluble renal vitamins include vitamins Bl, B2, B6, and B12; folic acid; niacin; pantothenic acid; biotin; and vitamin C. |
Stool Softener | Relieves constipation that can be caused by limited fluid intake for people on dialysis, certain medications, or a lack of physical activity. |
Topical Creams & Antihistamines | Relieves itching and dry skin that may be experienced by people on dialysis. Antihistamines are available as a cream or may be taken orally. |
Vitamin E | Protects cells from oxidizing. Your doctor will determine if you're low on vitamin E and could benefit from taking it. |
Dialysis may affect how your body reacts to certain substances. People on dialysis must understand their medications as well as manage a kidney-friendly diet. Your care team can help ensure you are making the best choices when it comes to foods, vitamins, and medications.
KIDNEY-FRIENDLY PHARMACY CARE
MAKE A MEDICATION CHEAT SHEET
A BETTER BINDER FOR A BETTER YOU
Four tips for managing your medications
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- Make sure you understand each of your medications—including what they do, what you’re taking them for, and how they benefit your health. It’s also important to be able to identify each medication and know how and when to take it. Managing your medications according to dialysis medication guidelines is key to protecting your health and feeling your best. Taking your medication as directed can also mean better lab results and less time in the hospital. To help you stay organized, your nurse can work with you to create an up-to-date medication list.
- Check with your nephrologist (kidney doctor) or care team before taking any new medications—that includes any antibiotics, cold or allergy medicines, pain relievers, vitamins, or herbal supplements, in addition to your regularly prescribed medications. Even over-the-counter medications and vitamins can affect your body differently when you’re on dialysis to treat kidney failure. Also tell your nephrologist about any new medications prescribed by any of your other doctors. It’s helpful to bring all medications you’re taking with you to your appointments, so you can check in with your care team.
- Work with your pharmacist to manage your medications—specially trained pharmacists, like those at FreseniusRx, understand how your medications and kidney disease impact each other and can help you stay feeling your best. They can also help you understand your medications, answer questions, and set up medication delivery to your dialysis center or home.
- Track your daily medication regimen—keep a paper or digital medication checklist of all your medications, including prescriptions and vitamins, so you don’t miss a dose. You may even want to set an alarm to remind you when to take your medications. If you need help sorting your pills, ask your care partner or someone in your support network to help you stay organized.
Get helpful answers to frequently asked questions
MANAGING OTC MEDICATIONS
how over-the-counter medications impact your health. Our quick guide
can help.