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What Causes Elevated Potassium Levels?
I am 73 years old, have RA and take Aleve (1) twice a day. My blood test today had a potassium level of 6 (first time ever). I have been eating a banana a day for about a month. My BP today was 111/66. I had a knee replacement 4/24/17 and it has healed well. I got Cimzia shots today (every 4 weeks) and a Prolia shot in July. Should I be concerned? Should I cut back to 1/2 a banana per day or every other day?
Fri, 23 Mar 2018
Hello,
It is highly probably Aleve caused elevated potassium (hyperkaliemia). Aleve (naproxen) belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. It may raise potassium levels by decreasing potassium excretion through the kidneys. Banana contains low potassium and eating 1-2 bananas a day is unlikely responsible for hyperkaliemia.
Firstly get the potassium levels checked again. Pseudohyperkalemia (falsely elevated potassium) is one of the commonest reason for hyperkaliemia. If it shows elevated potassium again, get your EKG and kidney function tests. If the kidney function is normal, the probable cause is the medication. In that case, all you need is to contact your doctor to change Aleve to a different medication (providing that you also have normal ECG). Changes in ECG or potassium level higher than 6 mEq/L requires immediate interventions to decrease potassium level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Malik
It is highly probably Aleve caused elevated potassium (hyperkaliemia). Aleve (naproxen) belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. It may raise potassium levels by decreasing potassium excretion through the kidneys. Banana contains low potassium and eating 1-2 bananas a day is unlikely responsible for hyperkaliemia.
Firstly get the potassium levels checked again. Pseudohyperkalemia (falsely elevated potassium) is one of the commonest reason for hyperkaliemia. If it shows elevated potassium again, get your EKG and kidney function tests. If the kidney function is normal, the probable cause is the medication. In that case, all you need is to contact your doctor to change Aleve to a different medication (providing that you also have normal ECG). Changes in ECG or potassium level higher than 6 mEq/L requires immediate interventions to decrease potassium level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Malik
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