Specialties

Renal dialysis therapy is the medical process needed when a patient experiences renal or kidney failure, also known as Stage 5 of Chronic Kidney Disease. Renal or kidney failure affects all organs in the body, so this therapy involves the filtering of blood for excess fluids, minerals and waste.

Renal failure can be caused by chronic upper urinary tract infections and heredity, and in certain geographic areas, HIV-related renal disease is common. Failure may not always be permanent; most acute failures are cured shortly after being treated with dialysis therapy. Those who have 85% or higher kidney failure can be considered to be in chronic or end stage kidney failure. For these cases, dialysis may become a lifelong requirement if a replacement kidney cannot be transplanted.

There are two types of renal dialysis therapy: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is the process in which a machine or an artificial kidney is used to filter chemicals and remove waste from the blood. Minor surgery to the arm or leg in order to gain access to a major blood vessel is required for hemodialysis. These treatments are usually done at home, up to 7 times a week, for 6-8 hours at a time.

Peritoneal dialysis involves a more invasive surgery, where a catheter is placed in the abdomen to utilize an osmosis type process to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. This catheter is hooked up to a dialysate, which is left for a period of time to absorb waste products and then drained and discarded. The peritoneal dialysis cycle is usually carried out 4-5 times a day at home.

Both types of dialysis come with different benefits and risks, so it is important to consult a physician when choosing treatment options. Most medications prescribed for renal dialysis patients involve electrolyte supplements to reduce the amount of potassium in the blood.

Stat RX Pharmacy understands that patients on renal dialysis need comprehensive, consistent and continuous care. Our expert professionals are here to provide personalized, quality service, so that our patients can rest assured they’re receiving the most effective, state-of-the-art equipment and therapies available. Contact us today for more information on our renal dialysis therapies.