K-vescent and Telotristat Etiprate

• Generic Name: potassium bicarbonate
• Dosage Forms: tablet, effervescent
• Other Brand Names: Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent, K-vescent, K+Care ET, Klor-Con/EF, Effer-K, Quick-K

Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

K-vescent is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).

K-vescent may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: telotristat
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Xermelo

Used (in combination with somatostatin analog therapy) for treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea inadequately controlled by somatostatin analog therapy alone (designated an orphan drug by FDA for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome in patients with neuroendocrine tumors).

Carcinoid syndrome, a condition associated with serotonin overproduction, is characterized by flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, occasionally congestive heart failure, and various other manifestations. Although somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide) are standard treatment for carcinoid syndrome and are effective initially in most patients, some patients may not respond adequately or may develop recurrent symptoms, including diarrhea, despite therapy.

In clinical studies, telotristat ethyl reduced the frequency of daily bowel movements in patients with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. Reductions in other symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (e.g., abdominal pain, flushing) not observed.