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What Causes High Serum Potassium Level Inspite Of Having RA?
Question: K+ 6.5. Have been taking meloxicam 1 tab qd. 7.5 mg. MD recommending follow up with family physician. Am currently seeing rheumatologist. Diagnosed with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I am also type 2 diabetic. I have had in the past year. A right adrenalectomy for a pheochromocytoma. Benign specimen. Recommendation on medications and whether or not to see another specialist.
Brief Answer:
Get Pottasium rechecked,
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
If you are worried for this High Serum Potassium level (hyperkalemia), this needs assessment.
Most common cause of Hyperkalemia is laboratory errors.
But i advise you to get it repeated. If it is again high, we would do further work up.
As far as Meloxicam is concerned, it doesn't directly cause hyperkalemia, but it can cause it by injuring kidney's in long term.
However, Adrenalectomy can cause disturbance in pottasium levels. Even hyperkalemia has also been described.
Now i would also advice you to avoid NSAIDs as far as possible for pain as they damage the kidney's in long term.
Try to control pain with Tramadol. Meloxicam should be used on as when required basis only.
This is my advise regarding the medication you have mentioned. Regarding meeting a specialist is your decision. A GP can deal this if your Pottasium levels are normal.
And in any case, you can always discuss with me if you need MD / Specialists any time.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
Get Pottasium rechecked,
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
If you are worried for this High Serum Potassium level (hyperkalemia), this needs assessment.
Most common cause of Hyperkalemia is laboratory errors.
But i advise you to get it repeated. If it is again high, we would do further work up.
As far as Meloxicam is concerned, it doesn't directly cause hyperkalemia, but it can cause it by injuring kidney's in long term.
However, Adrenalectomy can cause disturbance in pottasium levels. Even hyperkalemia has also been described.
Now i would also advice you to avoid NSAIDs as far as possible for pain as they damage the kidney's in long term.
Try to control pain with Tramadol. Meloxicam should be used on as when required basis only.
This is my advise regarding the medication you have mentioned. Regarding meeting a specialist is your decision. A GP can deal this if your Pottasium levels are normal.
And in any case, you can always discuss with me if you need MD / Specialists any time.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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