Medication for Treating HYPER Periodic Paralysis
It's important to get Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis treatment because even though the muscle weakness attacks are usually temporary, it's possible that they can eventually cause permanent muscle weakness.
One thing you can do is to try to avoid things that trigger the episodes. For example, you may need to cut down on your potassium intake. Managing your stress levels is something else you can do to reduce the likelihood of an episode since stress is a trigger. Writing in a journal about things that make you feel stressed is a good first step to take in managing stress.
Acetazolamide
- It is used to get rid of extra fluid.
- It is used to treat or prevent altitude sickness.
- It is used to help control certain kinds of seizures.
- It is used to treat glaucoma.
- It may be given to you for other reasons.
Acute Hyperkalemic Attacks
Simple Carbohydrates
Glucose or other carbohydrates (sugars) given during an attack may reduce the severity of the symptoms. High carbohydrate food (candy bar) or drink (sugar cola, sweet tea) taken at the first sign of weakness may abort or relieve episodes.
* Source: Periodic Paralysis International
Albuterol
Lowers the potassium. Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is also used to prevent asthma brought on by exercise. It is a quick-relief medication. Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles.
Dichlorphenamide
KEVEYIS (pronounced keh-VAY-iss) is a prescription drug by Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is an FDA-approved periodic paralysis treatment. Each KEVEYIS tablet contains 50 mg of the active ingredient, dichlorphenamide, and a tablet is usually prescribed to be taken once or twice daily. This medication can be used for hyperkalemic and hypokalemic periodic paralysis, as well as other similar diseases.
Mechanism of Action: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Additional Resources: Xeris TM CareConnection
Patient Assistance telephone: 844-KEVEYIS (844-538-3947)
KEVEYIS®
Dichlorphenamide Tablets
ORMALVI (pronounced OR-MAL-VI) is an FDA approved treatment for Primary Periodic Paralysis. It is a proven treatment that can help you feel more confident by reducing the frequency and severity of your attacks.¹ ORMALVI is available in 50mg tablets, with a recommended starting dose of 50mg twice daily.² It is for patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypokalemic periodic paralysis and related variants.²
Mechanism of Action: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Additional Resources: ORMALVI is accompanied by Cycle Vita™, a dedicated support platform for eligible* patients, which offers financial, logistics and educational support. Find out more at https://www.ormalvi.com/patient/patient-support/
Patient Assistance telephone: 888-360-8482
Please see the full Prescribing Information here.
- Statland, J., et al (2017). Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodic Paralysis. Muscle & Nerve, [online] 57(4), pp.522–530. Available at:: https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26009 [Accessed 1 Nov. 2023].
- ORMALVI (dichlorphenamide). Prescribing Information. Cycle Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
*Some areas of support may not be accessible to all patients. Eligibility criteria may apply to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements, and benefits may be limited to commercially insured patients only. For more detailed information about eligibility, terms and conditions, please contact the Cycle Vita team at +1 (888) 360-8482.