During my lab visit yesterday, I was asked if I was taking Renaplex D to which I replied no. Later on, I received an email from my dietician stating that a script had been sent to Fresenius for this RX. Since I have never taken or heard of Renaplex D, I turned to Perplexity to find out more about it. Read on:

Renaplex-D is a multivitamin supplement specifically formulated for patients with kidney disease, including those on peritoneal dialysis. Here’s an explanation of its use for patients on peritoneal dialysis:

  1. Addressing vitamin deficiencies: Patients on peritoneal dialysis often experience vitamin deficiencies due to dietary restrictions, poor appetite, and loss of vitamins during dialysis treatments. Renaplex-D is designed to supplement essential vitamins that these patients may be lacking[1][3].
  2. Customized formulation: Renaplex-D contains a specific blend of vitamins tailored to the needs of dialysis patients. It typically includes higher amounts of water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and folic acid) that are lost during dialysis and need daily replacement[3].
  3. Avoiding harmful ingredients: Unlike over-the-counter multivitamins, Renaplex-D does not contain high levels of vitamins A, E, and K, which can build up to harmful levels in patients with impaired kidney function[3].
  4. Supporting overall health: Regular use of Renaplex-D can help maintain proper vitamin levels, potentially improving overall health and quality of life for peritoneal dialysis patients[3].
  5. Preventing complications: Adequate vitamin D supplementation, which is often included in renal vitamins like Renaplex-D, may help prevent complications associated with peritoneal dialysis, such as peritonitis[4].

It’s important to note that patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Renaplex-D. The dosage and specific formulation may need to be adjusted based on individual patient needs and lab results. Additionally, patients should be aware that some brands of renal vitamins may not be suitable for those with severe kidney disease or on dialysis, so it’s crucial to use only the formulation prescribed by a healthcare professional[5].

Citations:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-174969/renaplex-d-oral/details
[2] https://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051-2276%2805%2900186-X/pdf
[3] https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/basics/renal-vitamins-for-people-on-dialysis
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6883549/
[5] https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/renaplex-d/what-is