Addressing Gaps in Care for the Rapid and Long-Term Management of Hyperkalemia With Novel Oral Potassium Binding Agents: Insights for Managed Care Professionals

Program Description

Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte disorder that can result in serious cardiac complications. It can occur in the inpatient or outpatient setting and is more likely to occur in patients with comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, or other cardiovascular conditions especially when receiving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Hyperkalemia increases morbidity, mortality, and health care costs in these patient populations. Although potassium binders have been available for decades, traditional therapies such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate are limited by safety and tolerability concerns. Newer agents offer improved efficacy and safety profiles, making it essential for managed care pharmacists to understand their role in both acute and chronic hyperkalemia management. This activity will explore treatment options for acute and chronic hyperkalemia including real world use and practice patterns, identify the economic challenges associated with the condition, and review approaches to for developing cost-effective, patient-centered coverage policies. With a greater understanding of hyperkalemia and the treatment landscape, managed care pharmacists can expand patient access to appropriate treatments, maximize patient outcomes, and improve health care resource utilization.

Target Audience: Managed care pharmacists

Type of Activity: Application

Release date: November 21, 2025

Expiration date: November 21, 2026

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the etiology and patient populations at higher risk for the development of hyperkalemia and its related complications if left untreated
• Analyze available efficacy and safety data for newer oral potassium-binding medications for the swift and long-term management of hyperkalemia
• Examine approaches managed care pharmacists can employ to ensure cost-effective, patient-centered treatment plans