KARTHIKEYAN VENKATACHALAM M.D
Prescription History 1760747430
Internal Medicine - Nephrology in Saint Louis, MO

Active since July 09, 2012PECOS EnrolledAccepts Medicare Assignment
1201 S GRAND BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63104(314) 617-2000 Get Directions

NPPES record last updated: June 26, 2026. Verified against the NPPES registry weekly; last sync: October 18, 2026.

Record update history: Jun 16, 2025, Aug 25, 2022, May 6, 2019 and 2 more (5 updates tracked since 2019).

Medicare Part D Prescription History

Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for KARTHIKEYAN VENKATACHALAM M.D, an active Nephrology specialist practicing in Saint Louis, MO. Our medical registry currently tracks 25 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 1,067 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Sevelamer Carbonate, which accounts for 104 claims alone. Use the table below to sort by claims, cost, or utilization compared with the state average; select any medication for its full profile.

25
Medications
1,067
Total Claims
1,737
30-Day Fills
Sevelamer Carbonate
Most Prescribed · 104 claims
View details
25 medications · 2024 Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D medications prescribed by KARTHIKEYAN VENKATACHALAM M.D in 2024, with prescription volumes, average cost per fill, and MO state comparisons
Medication Prescriptions (2024)Rx (2024) Avg Cost per FillCost / Fill Vs. Other MO PrescribersVs. MO Avg

About Sevelamer Carbonate: Sevelamer is used to lower high blood phosphorus (phosphate) levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Show more ▾

Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sevelamer works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body. A polymeric amine that binds phosphate and is used to treat HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA in patients with kidney disease.

In 2024, this provider wrote 104 Medicare prescriptions for Sevelamer Carbonate, about 2 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (52). Medicare paid an average of $103.09 per fill, versus $162.31 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
104
MO average
52.1

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$103.09
MO average
$162.31

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

122
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
3,660
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Losartan Potassium: Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. Show more ▾

It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. An antagonist of ANGIOTENSIN TYPE 1 RECEPTOR with antihypertensive activity due to the reduced pressor effect of ANGIOTENSIN II.

In 2024, this provider wrote 99 Medicare prescriptions for Losartan Potassium, about 78% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (127.6). Medicare paid an average of $8.07 per fill, versus $7.83 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
99
MO average
127.6

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$8.07
MO average
$7.83

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

226
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
6,757
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Jardiance: Empagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Show more ▾

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Empagliflozin is also used in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of death from heart attack or stroke. Empagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sugar by your kidneys. Empagliflozin is also used to treat heart failure and kidney disease. It helps to lower the risk of death from heart disease and reduces the need of going to a hospital to treat heart failure or kidney disease. It also helps to lower the risk of dialysis in people with kidney disease. Empagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sodium by your kidneys.

In 2024, this provider wrote 88 Medicare prescriptions for Jardiance, about 1.4 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (60.9). Medicare paid an average of $825.15 per fill, versus $925.72 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
88
MO average
60.9

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$825.15
MO average
$925.72

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

126
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
3,780
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Calcitriol: Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Show more ▾

Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (such as dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones. Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications. The physiologically active form of vitamin D. It is formed primarily in the kidney by enzymatic hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (CALCIFEDIOL). Its production is stimulated by low blood calcium levels and parathyroid hormone. Calcitriol increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in concert with parathyroid hormone increases bone resorption.

In 2024, this provider wrote 71 Medicare prescriptions for Calcitriol, about 1.4 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (49.3). Medicare paid an average of $17.78 per fill, versus $16.80 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
71
MO average
49.3

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$17.78
MO average
$16.80

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

131
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
3,930
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Farxiga: Dapagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Show more ▾

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This medication is also used in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of going to the hospital for heart failure. Dapagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sugar by your kidneys. Dapagliflozin is also used to treat kidney disease and heart failure. It helps to lower the risk of death from heart disease and reduces the need of going to a doctor or hospital to treat heart failure. Dapagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sodium by your kidneys.

In 2024, this provider wrote 66 Medicare prescriptions for Farxiga, about 1.4 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (47.4). Medicare paid an average of $756.74 per fill, versus $841.04 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
66
MO average
47.4

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$756.74
MO average
$841.04

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

95
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
2,835
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Furosemide: Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. Show more ▾

This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. A benzoic-sulfonamide-furan. It is a diuretic with fast onset and short duration that is used for EDEMA and chronic RENAL INSUFFICIENCY.

In 2024, this provider wrote 61 Medicare prescriptions for Furosemide, about half the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (105.9). Medicare paid an average of $5.13 per fill, versus $4.64 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
61
MO average
105.9

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$5.13
MO average
$4.64

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

126.3
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
3,788
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Amlodipine Besylate: Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Show more ▾

Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Amlodipine is also used to prevent certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is effective in the treatment of ANGINA PECTORIS and HYPERTENSION.

In 2024, this provider wrote 57 Medicare prescriptions for Amlodipine Besylate, about a third of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (164.3). Medicare paid an average of $2.85 per fill, versus $5.31 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
57
MO average
164.3

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$2.85
MO average
$5.31

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

117
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
3,510
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Auryxia: Ferric citrate is used to lower high blood phosphate levels in people who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Show more ▾

Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. This medication works by binding to phosphate in the foods you eat. The phosphate then passes out of your body in your stool. Ferric citrate is a form of iron. This medication is also used to treat low blood levels of iron (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease who are not on dialysis. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce red blood cells and keep you in good health.

In 2024, this provider wrote 50 Medicare prescriptions for Auryxia, about 2 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (25). Medicare paid an average of $1,721.37 per fill, versus $1,830.93 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
50
MO average
25.0

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$1,721.37
MO average
$1,830.93

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

54
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,620
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Allopurinol: Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. Show more ▾

It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems. A XANTHINE OXIDASE inhibitor that decreases URIC ACID production. It also acts as an antimetabolite on some simpler organisms.

In 2024, this provider wrote 46 Medicare prescriptions for Allopurinol, about 75% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (61.1). Medicare paid an average of $5.91 per fill, versus $8.49 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
46
MO average
61.1

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$5.91
MO average
$8.49

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

88.3
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
2,648
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Velphoro: Sucroferric oxyhydroxide is used to lower high blood phosphate levels in people who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Show more ▾

Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and may decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide contains a form of iron which is not absorbed by your body. It works by binding to phosphate in your diet. The phosphate then passes out of your body in your stool. An oral phosphate binder for treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

In 2024, this provider wrote 44 Medicare prescriptions for Velphoro, about 1.7 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (26.5). Medicare paid an average of $2,284.48 per fill, versus $2,757.96 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
44
MO average
26.5

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$2,284.48
MO average
$2,757.96

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

44
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,320
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Cinacalcet Hcl: Cinacalcet is used to treat increased amounts of a certain hormone (parathyroid) in people with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. Show more ▾

It is also used to treat increased amounts of calcium in people with an overactive parathyroid gland or in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland. Cinacalcet works by decreasing the amount of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus in your body. Having the right amount of these substances in your body helps to prevent bone disease.

In 2024, this provider wrote 41 Medicare prescriptions for Cinacalcet Hcl, about 1.5 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (28). Medicare paid an average of $27.08 per fill, versus $251.36 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
41
MO average
28.0

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$27.08
MO average
$251.36

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

41
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,230
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Tamsulosin Hcl: Tamsulosin is used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). Show more ▾

It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night). Tamsulosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. Do not use this medication to treat high blood pressure. A sulfonamide derivative and adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonist that is used to relieve symptoms of urinary obstruction caused by BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.

In 2024, this provider wrote 40 Medicare prescriptions for Tamsulosin Hcl, about a third of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (106.2). Medicare paid an average of $8.51 per fill, versus $12.31 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
40
MO average
106.2

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$8.51
MO average
$12.31

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

64.5
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,935
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Hydralazine Hcl: Hydralazine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure. Show more ▾

Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydralazine is called a vasodilator. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow through the body more easily. A direct-acting vasodilator that is used as an antihypertensive agent.

In 2024, this provider wrote 36 Medicare prescriptions for Hydralazine Hcl, about 80% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (45.1). Medicare paid an average of $11.65 per fill, versus $11.92 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
36
MO average
45.1

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$11.65
MO average
$11.92

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

73
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
2,190
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Kerendia: Finerenone is used by people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease to lower the risk of dialysis, death from heart disease, heart attacks, and the need to go to the hospital for heart failure. Show more ▾

It works by blocking a chemical (aldosterone) in your body which in turn lowers the amount of sodium and water the body retains. A potent, selective, and orally available nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist.

In 2024, this provider wrote 33 Medicare prescriptions for Kerendia, about 1.2 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (26.6). Medicare paid an average of $650.47 per fill, versus $856.99 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
33
MO average
26.6

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$650.47
MO average
$856.99

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

33
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
990
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Carvedilol: Carvedilol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Show more ▾

It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival if your heart is not pumping well. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart. Carvedilol belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha and beta blockers. A carbazole and propanol derivative that acts as a non-cardioselective beta blocker and vasodilator. It has blocking activity for ALPHA 1 ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS and, at higher doses, may function as a blocker of CALCIUM CHANNELS; it also has antioxidant properties. Carvedilol is used in the treatment of HYPERTENSION; ANGINA PECTORIS; and HEART FAILURE. It can also reduce the risk of death following MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

In 2024, this provider wrote 30 Medicare prescriptions for Carvedilol, about a third of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (90.6). Medicare paid an average of $5.35 per fill, versus $7.11 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
30
MO average
90.6

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$5.35
MO average
$7.11

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

54
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,620
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Vitamin D2: Vitamin D (ergocalciferol-D2, cholecalciferol-D3, alfacalcidol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Show more ▾

Having the right amount of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones. Vitamin D is used to treat and prevent bone disorders (such as rickets, osteomalacia). Vitamin D is made by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen, protective clothing, limited exposure to sunlight, dark skin, and age may prevent getting enough vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D with calcium is used to treat or prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). Vitamin D is also used with other medications to treat low levels of calcium or phosphate caused by certain disorders (such as hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, familial hypophosphatemia). It may be used in kidney disease to keep calcium levels normal and allow normal bone growth. Vitamin D drops (or other supplements) are given to breastfed infants because breast milk usually has low levels of vitamin D. Derivatives of ERGOSTEROL formed by ULTRAVIOLET RAYS breaking of the C9-C10 bond. They differ from CHOLECALCIFEROL in having a double bond between C22 and C23 and a methyl group at C24.

In 2024, this provider wrote 30 Medicare prescriptions for Vitamin D2, about the same volume as the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (31.4). Medicare paid an average of $2.32 per fill, versus $9.43 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
30
MO average
31.4

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$2.32
MO average
$9.43

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

45.2
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,347
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Febuxostat: Febuxostat is used to lower uric acid levels in people with gout. Show more ▾

Febuxostat works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. An increased uric acid level can cause gout. Because of the risk of very serious heart-related problems and stroke with febuxostat (see also Warning section), febuxostat should be used only after treatment with a medication called allopurinol did not work to lower your uric acid level, caused serious side effects, or is not recommended by your doctor. Febuxostat should be used only if you have symptoms caused by a high blood uric acid level. A thiazole derivative and inhibitor of XANTHINE OXIDASE that is used for the treatment of HYPERURICEMIA in patients with chronic GOUT.

In 2024, this provider wrote 26 Medicare prescriptions for Febuxostat, about 1.5 times the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (17.1). Medicare paid an average of $50.29 per fill, versus $90.47 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
26
MO average
17.1

This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$50.29
MO average
$90.47

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

36
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,080
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Calcium Acetate: Calcium acetate is used to prevent high blood phosphate levels in patients who are on dialysis due to severe kidney disease. Show more ▾

Dialysis removes some phosphate from your blood, but it is difficult to remove enough to keep your phosphate levels balanced. Decreasing blood phosphate levels can help keep your bones strong, prevent unsafe buildup of minerals in your body, and possibly decrease the risk of heart disease and strokes that can result from high phosphate levels. Calcium acetate is a natural mineral that works by holding onto phosphate from the diet so that it can pass out of your body. A principal compound used as phosphate binders in patients with chronic renal failure; used like sevelamer.

In 2024, this provider wrote 26 Medicare prescriptions for Calcium Acetate, about 85% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (30.6). Medicare paid an average of $67.62 per fill, versus $64.02 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
26
MO average
30.6

This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$67.62
MO average
$64.02

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

30
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
900
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Lisinopril: Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure. Show more ▾

Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors), orally active, that has been used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

In 2024, this provider wrote 23 Medicare prescriptions for Lisinopril, about 15% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (150.8). Medicare paid an average of $4.69 per fill, versus $5.80 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
23
MO average
150.8

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$4.69
MO average
$5.80

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

63
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,890
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Gabapentin: Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. Show more ▾

It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. A cyclohexane-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative that is used for the treatment of PARTIAL SEIZURES; NEURALGIA; and RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME.

In 2024, this provider wrote 21 Medicare prescriptions for Gabapentin, about 18% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (115.3). Medicare paid an average of $11.99 per fill, versus $15.91 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
21
MO average
115.3

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$11.99
MO average
$15.91

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

33
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
990
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Lokelma: This medication is used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. Show more ▾

It works by binding to potassium in the gut. This medication does not work right away, and should not be used to treat life-threatening high levels of potassium. High potassium levels can cause symptoms such as nausea, muscle weakness/tiredness, irregular heartbeats, or paralysis. Used to treat hyperkalemia.

In 2024, this provider wrote 17 Medicare prescriptions for Lokelma, about 72% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (23.8). Medicare paid an average of $637.14 per fill, versus $688.37 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
17
MO average
23.8

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$637.14
MO average
$688.37

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

17
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
498
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Nifedipine Er: Nifedipine is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Show more ▾

Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used for certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help increase your ability to exercise and decrease the frequency of chest pain attacks. It should not be used to treat chest pain when it occurs. Use other medications (such as sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication is known as a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. A potent vasodilator agent with calcium antagonistic action. It is a useful anti-anginal agent that also lowers blood pressure.

In 2024, this provider wrote 17 Medicare prescriptions for Nifedipine Er, about half the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (30.9). Medicare paid an average of $41.77 per fill, versus $22.64 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
17
MO average
30.9

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$41.77
MO average
$22.64

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

44
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
1,320
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Eliquis: Apixaban is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. Show more ▾

With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis-DVT, pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent them from forming again. Apixaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood. An antithrombotic agent.

In 2024, this provider wrote 15 Medicare prescriptions for Eliquis, about 14% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (110.4). Medicare paid an average of $877.71 per fill, versus $777.14 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
15
MO average
110.4

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$877.71
MO average
$777.14

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

21
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
611
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Bumetanide: Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. Show more ▾

This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. Bumetanide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt. A sulfamyl diuretic.

In 2024, this provider wrote 15 Medicare prescriptions for Bumetanide, about a third of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (36.7). Medicare paid an average of $15.25 per fill, versus $28.78 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
15
MO average
36.7

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$15.25
MO average
$28.78

This provider's average cost per fill is below the MO average for this medication.

19.5
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
562
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024

About Atorvastatin Calcium: Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Show more ▾

It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and raising "good" cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details. A pyrrole and heptanoic acid derivative, HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITOR (statin), and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that is used to reduce serum levels of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B; and TRIGLYCERIDES. It is used to increase serum levels of HDL-CHOLESTEROL in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS, and for the prevention of CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES in patients with multiple risk factors.

In 2024, this provider wrote 11 Medicare prescriptions for Atorvastatin Calcium, about 5% of the volume of the typical Missouri prescriber of this medication (225.3). Medicare paid an average of $12.27 per fill, versus $8.36 statewide.

How often this provider prescribes it

This provider
11
MO average
225.3

This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average MO prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.

What Medicare paid per fill

This provider
$12.27
MO average
$8.36

Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price.

33
30-Day Fills
standardized to 30-day supplies
990
Days of Medication
total across all patients in 2024
No medications match the current filters.
= the 5 medications this provider prescribes most.▲ More than typical≈ Typical▼ Less than typical= prescription volume vs the average MO prescriber of the same medication; volume reflects practice size as well as clinical preference.Green cost= below the MO average cost per fill.

About this data. The prescription history for KARTHIKEYAN VENKATACHALAM M.D is compiled from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use File for calendar year 2024, the most recent federal release. Figures cover prescriptions filled for Medicare Part D beneficiaries only; prescriptions under private insurance, Medicaid, or self-pay plans are not included. Because prescribing decisions are generally consistent across coverage types, this record offers a useful view of the overall Nephrology prescribing approach at this Saint Louis, MO practice.

Reading the costs. Drug costs are gross amounts paid to pharmacies under Part D, including both plan and beneficiary payments. They are not the price a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. Medications with fewer than 11 claims are excluded from the federal source data, and state comparisons use the average among MO prescribers of the same medication and form, shown only when at least five prescribers contribute. Always confirm current medications and costs directly with the provider and your plan.

About the medication summaries. Drug use descriptions come from the CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard (2024), and substance definitions from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) 2026, U.S. National Library of Medicine. They are summaries that do not contain all possible information about a medication and are not individual medical advice. Ask a health care professional about any medication and your specific health needs.