Different kinds of medication
Phosphate Binders
Dialysis can control the level of virtually all the substances in the blood, but phosphates can cause problems - they can build up and combine with calcium in the blood, and this mixture can cause damage by being deposited in the blood vessel walls. It can also affect the strength of the bones and joints.
Phosphate levels are difficult to control through diet, as they are present in most foods. You will be given advice on how to lower your phosphate intake through diet, but drugs called Phosphate binders are likely to be prescribed in addition to this.
These prevent the absorption of phosphates into the bloodstream from food and need to be taken several times a day.
Some examples of Phosphate binders:
- Calcium salts (carbonate, lactate or acetate)
- Sevelamer
- Lanthanum
- Iron based phosphate binders
Antihypertensives (Blood pressure pills)
Antihypertensive medication reduces blood pressure. There are various different types and the majority of renal patients will be on one or a combination of several antihypertensives. These may relieve the symptoms of breathlessness and may also prolong the functioning of the kidneys.
Some examples of antihypertensive drugs:
- Calcium antagonists (their names end in '-pine')
- ACE inhibitors (their names end in '-pril')
- Angiotensin Receptor blockers (their names end in '-artan')
- Beta blockers (their names end in '-olol')
Diuretics (Water tablets)
Diuretics are used when there is too much water in the body. The tablets remove fluid by increasing the amount of urine that is passed.
(The problem of Fluid overload is described in What about fluid intake?)
Some examples of diuretics:
- Frusemide
- Bumetanide
Erythropoeisis-stimulating agents (ESA)
EPO (Erythropoietin) is one of the hormones manufactured by healthy kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. In kidney failure, the body cannot make its own EPO, and this leads to anaemia.
ESAs are prescribed, initially to correct anaemia, and sometimes (at a lower dose on an ongoing basis) to keep the red blood cell count up. Not everyone needs it, however. For instance, in kidney diseases where the kidneys remain large (such as in polycystic kidney disease) EPO production is not as severely affected.
If it is decided that you would benefit from commencing ESA therapy, you are likely to see the doctors and maybe an Anaemia Nurse Specialist who will discuss this with you, organise the prescription, and answer any questions you may have.
Iron and Vitamins
Most renal patients are also prescribed iron tablets to help counteract anaemia, and this is often given intravenously especially in haemodialysis patients. Some people need vitamin supplements (usually vitamin B, sometimes vitamin C and a special form of vitamin D).
Vitamins B and C are water soluble, so they can be lost during dialysis.
Vitamin D is associated with the health of bones. Damaged kidneys are unable to convert ordinary vitamin D for use in the body, so when vitamin D is prescribed, it is likely to be in its active form - usually as tablets but occasionally directly into the haemodialysis blood line.
Laxatives
Constipation can be a problem, particularly for dialysis patients because their fluid intake is so restricted. If you are constipated, please talk to staff at your Renal Unit - don't buy laxatives yourself from a high street chemist, as not all laxatives are suitable for renal patients.