What has SMC said?
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted sodium zirconium cyclosilicate to treat adults with hyperkalaemia (where the level of potassium in the blood is too high).
SMC has accepted sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for restricted use. The restriction means that sodium zirconium cyclosilicate can be used in patients who have persistent hyperkalaemia (blood potassium levels of 5.5 to 6.0 mmol/L) with chronic kidney disease (stage 3b to 5) and/or heart failure. It is for use in patients who would have to reduce their dose of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) or stop taking them to normalize their potassium level. RAASi are medicines used to protect the heart and kidneys. SMC has previously accepted sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for patients as described above, with potassium levels above 6.0 mmol/L (SMC2288).
This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for patients.
You can find more detailed information about the SMC assessment of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate by looking at the SMC Detailed Advice Document (SMC2884).
What does SMC’s decision mean for patients?
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for use as described above is available for prescribing on the NHS in Scotland. Your healthcare professional can discuss with you if it is the right treatment for you.
You can find more information about making decisions about your treatment here: Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me?
How does SMC make its decision?
SMC carefully considers every new medicine to make sure it benefits patients and is likely to be a good use of NHS resources.
To do this SMC studies the following:
- Evidence from the company about how well the medicine works compared with current treatments available in Scotland, in relation to how much they will cost to buy and use to treat patients.
- Information from patient groups about the potential impact of the medicine on patients and carers.
- Advice from healthcare professionals about any benefits of the new medicine compared to current treatment, along with how the new medicine is likely to be used.
When SMC assesses a medicine it takes account of the needs of all patients in NHSScotland, not only those who may be treated with the medicine.
You can find out more about how SMC decides here: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/how-we-decide/
More information and support
The organisations below can give more information and support for people with kidney disease and their families. SMC is not responsible for the content of any information provided by external organisations.
Kidney Care UK
https://kidneycareuk.org 0808 801 0000
Kidney Research UK
https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org 0300 303 1100
You can find out more about sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (brand name: Lokelma®) in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) by searching for the medicine name on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website.
https://products.mhra.gov.uk/