OBJECTIVES: Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal electrolyte disorder characterized by elevated serum potassium levels. Common treatments for the condition are the potassium-binding agents Patiromer (Veltassa™) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC, Lokelma™). The aim of this study was to compare the costs associated with these interventions in Saudi Arabia, a country with a particularly high prevalence of hyperkalemia.

METHODS: A model comparing the costs of managing hyperkalemia with patiromer and SZC was developed in Microsoft Excel. Pharmacy costs were accounted in 2023 Saudi Riyals (SAR) using prices listed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Doses of patiromer and SZC were aligned with defined daily doses published by the World Health Organization. Patient-level results were extrapolated to a population level using data on the prevalence of hyperkalemia in the general hospitalized population and the frequency of hospitalization in Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS: Patiromer and SZC were associated with costs of SAR 14,850 and SAR 17,389 per patient-year of treatment, respectively, with a cost saving of SAR 2,539 per patient-year with patiromer. Cost differences were driven by the lower daily cost of patiromer versus SZC. At a population level, use of patiromer in place of SZC could result in annual cost savings of up to SAR 3.7 billion (SAR 21.8 billion versus SAR 25.5 billion).

CONCLUSIONS: Patiromer was projected to be cost saving versus SZC for the treatment of hyperkalemia in Saudi Arabia, with important potential savings at a population level.