At my monthly meetings with my Fresenius Team, I am provided an “education” module having to do with some aspect of Dialysis. This month, I was given Module 7, Medicines: Tools for Good Health. In the following blog, I am going to excerpt tidbits that should be of interest to those interested in all aspects of Dialysis.

  • Regarding OTC medicines
    • Watch out for herbal or other natural home remedies. They can build up and make you sick or even be life-threatening
  • Never take these OTC medicines:
    • Alka Seltzer, baking soda, or other bubbling remedies. These are high in sodium.
    • Antacids containing magnesium (Milk of Magnesia) or aluminum (Mylanta). These chemicals can build up and cause nervous system problems.
    • Aspirin unless ordered by your doctor. May cause bleeding.
    • Enemas and laxatives unless prescribed by your kidney doctor – they are high in phosphorus
    • Vitamins or food supplements. They may have potassium and magnesium in them that build up in your blood.
    • Any herbal medicines and OTC medicines without prior approval from your kidney doctor.
  • Phosphorus
    • Hi phosphorus and low calcium levels can lead to serious bone disease.
    • Too much phosphorous gets into your skin and may cause very bad itching. It can also get into your heart and cause heart disease. 
    • Kidney disease upsets the balance of phosphorus and calcium in your body. The balance of phosphorus and calcium works like a seesaw. When one goes up the other goes down. Your goal is to restore the balance.
    • Phosphorus binder medicines taken with iron pills will prevent the iron from getting absorbed by your body. If you take iron pills, take them at least one hour before or after your phosphorus binders.
  • Antibiotics and CKF:
    • When your kidneys stop working, they can no longer filter drugs out of your bloodstream. For this reason, antibiotics may build up to dangerous levels in your body. 
    • As your Kidney Doctor about any antibiotics you get from another doctor
    • Tell your Kidney Doctor about dental work or other surgery you will be having.
  • Medicines for PD Patients:
    • Heparin may be given to help stop protein strands from forming. These strands called fibrin may clog the catheter which blocks the flow of dialysate solution in and out of your abdomen.
    • Epogen is administered as a small shot under the skin.
    • Iron may be prescribed as IV-delivered or as a pill.
    • Vitamin D in pill form is often prescribed in pill form also.