Understanding medications during hemodialysis

Guidelines on Taking Medications:

You may need to take medication in addition to your hemodialysis treatments
These medications treat problems related to kidney disease or your specific kidney needs
An important part of your treatment is to take your medications prescribed by your doctor
All medications must be taken under the careful supervision of your doctor, pharmacist and nurse
This is particularly important because your kidneys no longer work as before
Your doctor will prescribe the medication at the doses you need. Take it as prescribed
Never take any over-the-counter or prescription medication without first discussing it with your doctor or nurse

Type of medication	Action
Phosphorus binding agents	Phosphorus helps maintain bone health Phosphorus binding agents bind to the phosphorus of food present in the intestines in order to eliminate it in the stool.
Vitamin D	Vitamin D and calcium work together to ensure bone strength. The active form of vitamin D is reduced with kidney failure.
Blood pressure-regulating medications	These medications are intended to facilitate the control of blood pressure. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure daily while taking these medications.
Iron and erythropoietin	Iron contributes to the production of red blood cells. You may need to take iron pills at home; sometimes the nurse might administer it during your treatment in intravenous form. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a medication administered by injection that helps you produce more red blood cells. You will learn how to inject the medication yourself at home or have nurse inject it for you when you get your dialysis at the hospital
Heparin	Heparin is an anticoagulant medication; it prevents clots from obstructing your vascular access and dialysis circuit during treatment
Antibiotics	Antibiotics fight infections

Always keep an up-to-date list related to your health.