Lokelma (sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) is a brand-name drug that comes as a powder that’s mixed with water to form an oral liquid suspension. It’s prescribed for high potassium levels in adults. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether Lokelma has a savings program.

Lokelma belongs to a drug class called potassium binders. Lokelma isn’t available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about Lokelma and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about Lokelma, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of Lokelma can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Lokelma has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Lokelma will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Lokelma. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Lokelma in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Lokelma requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Lokelma.

Is there a coupon available for Lokelma 10 g?

A coupon isn’t available for Lokelma. However, the drug manufacturer offers a savings card for the 5-g and 10-g strengths of Lokelma. It’s part of the My Lokelma program. You can learn more and determine whether you’re eligible by visiting the program website. If you’re eligible for the savings card, it may help you save on your Lokelma copay.*

Keep in mind that the Lokelma manufacturer savings card is for use with commercial insurance. It isn’t used with government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid. So, if you have these insurance plans, talk with your doctor or your insurance provider. They may be able to suggest other ways that you can save on the cost of Lokelma. You can also refer to the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below.

* A copay is the fee you pay for a prescription, while your insurance pays for the rest. It’s set by your insurance policy.

How does the cost of Lokelma compare with alternatives, such as Veltassa or Kayexalate?

The cost of Lokelma compared with its alternatives, such as Veltassa, will depend on several factors. One is whether you have insurance and how your specific plan covers the cost of Lokelma. Others include the pharmacy you use and whether the drug has a savings program.

To find out the cost of Lokelma compared with Veltassa and other alternatives, talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider. You may also need to talk with your doctor, as they may recommend one drug over the other.

Note: Brand-name Kayexalate is no longer available in the United States.

Does Medicare cover Lokelma?

Medicare may cover the cost of Lokelma. It depends on your individual Medicare plan and whether you have Part D coverage. You can call your plan administrator and ask whether your plan covers Lokelma and what your cost will be.

You can also talk with your pharmacist. They may be able to help determine whether your Medicare plan will cover the cost of Lokelma.

Lokelma is available only as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BRAND-NAME DRUGS VS. GENERIC DRUGS?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell it for up to 20 years. When the brand-name drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create generic versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for generics. Also, because generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Lokelma long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Lokelma. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Lokelma may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Lokelma, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • A program called My Lokelma is available through the drug’s manufacturer. This program includes the $0 Copay Savings Card for Lokelma and other resources. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-565-3562 or visit the program website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Lokelma, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Lokelma. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Lokelma.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.