One-Alpha® is a medicine that contains the active ingredient alfacalcidol, which is a form of vitamin D. The liver changes alfacalcidol to calcitriol, which is a form of vitamin D that can be used by the body. It acts as a hormone in your body to control the levels of calcium and phosphate, which are needed to build healthy bone. People with kidney disease cannot change enough vitamin D into calcitriol. We get vitamin D from sunlight, and from eating oily fish and milk products. This can cause …
Your red blood cells need iron to help carry oxygen through your body. Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have anemia (not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood). Oral irons, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, and FeraMAX® 150, will give you enough iron to make make hemoglobin. This will make sure your body gets enough oxygen. How to take and store these medicines, and what side effects to watch for are reviewed.
If you have chronic kidney disease, you need to be aware of certain over-the-counter medications that are your best choices and those that could cause unpleasant side effects. This pamphlet lists common ailments (e.g., cough and cold, fever or pain, allergies, upset stomach or heartburn, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) and over-the-counter medications that are your best choices, their costs, and medications to stay away from. It also lists your best choices for multivitamins, creams…
Pneumovax® 23 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that spreads from person to person by droplets when coughing or sneezing.This bacteria can cause many types of infections such as: pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, sinusitis, and otitis media. Pneumovax® 23 is recommended for adults with a weakened immune system as a result of kidney disease. Why you may need to get vaccinated, possible si…
La brochure porte sur la façon de protéger votre cathéter de dialyse péritonéale. On y traite des soins de l’incision (coupure) ou du point d'émergence cutané (point de sortie) après l’opération et du maintien de la régularité intestinale. On vous indique aussi quand appeler l’infirmière de l’Ordre de Victoria du Canada (VON) ou des soins à domicile. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of "Care of Your Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter" pamphlet 0352. This pamphlet reviews how to protect your pe…
Prevnar® 13 is a vaccine that protects against infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that spreads from person to person by droplets when coughing or sneezing.This bacteria can cause many types of infections such as: pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, sinusitis, and otitis media. Prevnar® 13 is recommended for adults with a weakened immune system as a result of kidney disease. Why you may need to get vaccinated, possible side e…
Rocaltrol® is a medicine that contains the active ingredient calcitriol, which is a form of vitamin D that can be used by the body. It acts as a hormone in your body to control the levels of calcium and phosphate, which are needed to build healthy bone. People with kidney disease cannot change enough vitamin D into calcitriol. We get vitamin D from sunlight, and from eating oily fish and milk products. This can cause low levels of calcium in the blood and bone problems. This medicine skips the …
Sevelamer (se-VEL-a-mer) is a medicine used to treat high levels of phosphorus (a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth) in the body. People with kidney disease are less able to remove phosphorus from their body. When phosphorus levels in the blood get too high, it pushes calcium out from your bones. Hemodialysis can remove some of the extra phosphorus, but medicines such as sevelamer are often needed to help remove more. How to take sevelamer and what side effects to watch for are reviewe…
People with kidney disease have a higher chance of having high potassium levels. High potassium levels may lead to an irregular heartbeat or cause problems with muscles and nerves. Kayexalate® is a drug that treats high potassium levels. This pamphlet explains how to take Kayexlate®, side effects, and how to store this medication.
A tunneled hemodialysis catheter is a special tube made of plastic. It is used for hemodialysis treatment. This pamphlet explains the procedure for having a tunneled hemodialysis catheter inserted. Topics include: why the catheter is used, how long it will be in place, where the procedure is done, how long you will be at the hospital, how to get ready, and how the catheter is inserted. Instructions for after your procedure and care at home are provided.
If you have peritonitis (an infection in your peritoneum), your renal team may tell you to take an antibiotic, such as vancomycin. This pamphlet explains some of the possible side effects of vancomycin, how to give yourself this drug, and how to store this drug. What to do if you have questions and a list of things to remember are also provided.