Living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be challenging, and managing the costs of necessary medications adds another layer of complexity. If you’ve been prescribed AURYXIA® (ferric citrate) to manage your CKD, you might be concerned about the financial aspect. Fortunately, Akebia Therapeutics, the maker of AURYXIA, offers the Akebia Cares Patient Assistance Program to help eligible patients access this medication. Understanding this program can be a significant step in ensuring you receive the treatment you need without undue financial burden.
What is AURYXIA and How Does It Help CKD Patients?
AURYXIA is a prescription medication designed for adults with CKD. It serves two primary purposes depending on whether you are on dialysis or not. For individuals undergoing dialysis, AURYXIA effectively lowers the levels of phosphate in the blood. Maintaining healthy phosphate levels is crucial for dialysis patients. For adults with CKD who are not on dialysis but suffer from iron deficiency anemia, AURYXIA works to increase hemoglobin and iron levels in the body. By addressing these critical health issues, AURYXIA plays a vital role in managing complications associated with CKD.
Important Safety Considerations Before Starting AURYXIA
Before beginning treatment with AURYXIA, it’s essential to be aware of important safety information. AURYXIA contains iron, and accidental ingestion by children can lead to serious, even fatal, poisoning. Therefore, it must be kept out of reach of children. It’s also important to note that AURYXIA can increase iron levels in your blood and body, which your healthcare provider will monitor. If you are currently receiving intravenous iron, your dosage might need adjustment while taking AURYXIA.
There are specific conditions where AURYXIA is not recommended. If you have been diagnosed with an iron overload syndrome, such as hemochromatosis, you should not take AURYXIA. Additionally, it’s crucial to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before starting AURYXIA, especially if you have any other medical conditions or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Furthermore, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain antibiotics like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin can interact with AURYXIA, requiring careful timing of doses. Always keep an updated list of your medications and share it with your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Navigating the Cost of AURYXIA with the Akebia Cares Patient Assistance Program
The cost of prescription medications can be a significant concern for many individuals. Akebia Therapeutics understands this and offers the Akebia Cares Patient Assistance Program to help eligible patients access AURYXIA. While specific details of patient assistance programs can vary and require direct application and verification of eligibility, these programs are generally designed to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for medications, making them more affordable for those who qualify.
If you are concerned about the cost of AURYXIA, exploring the Akebia Cares Patient Assistance Program is a recommended step. You can typically find information about patient assistance programs on the manufacturer’s official website or by contacting their patient support services directly. These programs often have specific eligibility criteria based on income, insurance coverage, and other factors. By investigating the Akebia Cares program, you can determine if you are eligible for assistance, which could significantly ease the financial burden of your AURYXIA prescription.
How to Take AURYXIA and Potential Side Effects
When taking AURYXIA, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely. AURYXIA should be taken with meals and in accordance with any dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and may adjust it as needed. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. If you are also taking doxycycline or ciprofloxacin, adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance on how to separate the doses from AURYXIA.
Like all medications, AURYXIA can have side effects. Common side effects when used to lower phosphorus in dialysis patients include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, and cough. For non-dialysis CKD patients taking AURYXIA for iron deficiency anemia, common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, and high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). It’s also important to be aware that AURYXIA contains iron, which may cause dark stools – this is a normal occurrence with iron-containing medications.
If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or persistent, contact your healthcare provider. You can also report suspected side effects to Akebia Therapeutics, Inc., or the FDA as provided in the full prescribing information.
Accessing Full Prescribing Information for AURYXIA
For comprehensive details about AURYXIA, including all prescribing information, it’s recommended to consult the official full prescribing information provided by Akebia Therapeutics. This document contains detailed information about the medication, its uses, safety guidelines, side effects, and more.
Understanding your medication and exploring resources like the Akebia Cares Patient Assistance Program are vital steps in managing your health effectively while living with CKD. By taking proactive steps to learn about available support, you can navigate your treatment journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.
