Baxfendy
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor that works to treat high blood pressure in adults. It's taken with other blood pressure medications when they aren't working well enough. Baxfendy (baxdrostat) comes as a tablet you swallow once a day, with or without food. Most people take 2 mg once a day, but some might take 1 mg if they’re at risk for certain side effects. Side effects can include high potassium levels, low sodium levels, and dizziness.
What is Baxfendy (baxdrostat)?
What is Baxfendy (baxdrostat) used for?
- High blood pressure in adults - as add-on treatment
How Baxfendy (baxdrostat) works
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor. It blocks a protein in the adrenal glands that helps make a hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone tells the kidneys to hold onto salt and water.
By lowering aldosterone levels, Baxfendy (baxdrostat) helps the body release extra salt and water. This lowers the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Baxfendy |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Aldosterone synthase inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Baxfendy (baxdrostat)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- High potassium levels (7–10%)
- Low blood pressure (2–4%)
- Dizziness (3%)
- Low sodium levels (2–3%)
- Muscle spasms (2–3%)
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- High potassium levels: muscle weakness, tiredness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, fainting
- Low sodium levels: tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, confusion, trouble concentrating, headache, seizures
- Low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, blurry vision
The following Baxfendy (baxdrostat) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Baxfendy (baxdrostat)
Pros
- Taken once a day
- Can take with or without food
- Might be a good option for people with high blood pressure that's hard to control
Cons
- Can raise potassium levels and lower sodium levels, so you’ll need blood tests during treatment
- Meant to be used with other blood pressure medications, not alone
- Not FDA approved for children
Pharmacist tips for Baxfendy (baxdrostat)
- You can take Baxfendy (baxdrostat) with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Don’t cut, crush, or chew them.
- Try to take Baxfendy (baxdrostat) at the same time each day. This can help you remember to take it and keeps your blood pressure control steady.
- If you miss a dose of Baxfendy (baxdrostat), skip it for that day. Wait to take your next dose at your usual time. Don’t take two doses on the same day because this can lead to dangerous side effects.
- Baxfendy (baxdrostat) helps lower your blood pressure. Because of this, some people might feel dizzy. If this happens, sit down until you feel better. Stand up slowly and drink enough fluids unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Tell your care team if the dizziness bothers you, doesn't go away, or causes you to faint.
- It's important to get your blood tests done when your prescriber tells you to. Baxfendy (baxdrostat) can raise your potassium levels and lower your sodium levels. These blood tests help catch problems early and help keep you safe.
- Watch for symptoms of high potassium. New muscle weakness, feeling very tired, or an irregular pulse can be warning signs. Also look out for symptoms of low sodium, like trouble breathing, severe confusion, or headache. If these show up, tell your care team right away. It might mean you need labs sooner.
- Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. Many “low-sodium” salts use potassium instead. These salt substitutes can raise your potassium levels even more while taking Baxfendy (baxdrostat). Check food labels and ask your care team about safer seasoning options.
- Be careful when taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Ask your care team which ones are safest for you. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), have a risk of affecting your kidney function. This might lead to a rise in potassium levels, which can add to side effects from Baxfendy (baxdrostat).
- Tell your care team about all the medications and supplements you take. Some can raise potassium even more with Baxfendy (baxdrostat). This includes potassium supplements, water pills like spironolactone (Aldactone), ACE inhibitors, and ARBs. Other medications, like certain seizure medications, can make Baxfendy (baxdrostat) work less well. To keep you safe, your team might need to adjust your treatment. They might also monitor you more closely.
- Keep checking your blood pressure at home. Bring your readings to your follow-up visits. This helps your prescriber fine‑tune your overall treatment plan.
- Store Baxfendy (baxdrostat) at room temperature (68°F to 77°F). Keep the tablets in the original bottle with the drying packet inside. Store the medication out of reach of children and pets.
Risks and warnings for Baxfendy (baxdrostat)
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
High potassium levels
- Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Type 2 diabetes | Kidney problems (chronic kidney disease) | Taking medications or supplements that raise potassium
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) can raise your potassium levels. Very high potassium can be dangerous because it affects the heart’s rhythm.
Your care team will check your potassium with a blood test before you start Baxfendy (baxdrostat). They'll also check from time to time during treatment. You might need blood tests more often if you're at risk. This can include if you have diabetes, kidney problems, or are age 65 or older.
If your potassium gets too high, your care team might pause or stop Baxfendy (baxdrostat) and treat this problem. If you restart it later after high potassium gets treated, you might need closer lab monitoring.
Call your care team right away if you notice muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, or a pounding or irregular heartbeat. These can be signs of high potassium levels.
Low sodium levels
- Risk factors: History of low sodium | Taking medications that can lower sodium
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) can lower your sodium levels. Very low sodium can lead to serious symptoms, including confusion and seizures.
Your care team will check your sodium with a blood test before you start Baxfendy (baxdrostat). They'll also check periodically during treatment. They might test more often if your sodium is low at the start or if you take other medications that can lower sodium.
If your sodium drops to a concerning level, your care team can help treat it. They might pause or stop Baxfendy (baxdrostat) as well. Then if you restart it later, you might need closer lab monitoring.
Call your prescriber right away if you have signs of low sodium levels. This can include feeling tired, nauseous, or off balance. Get medical help right away if you develop a severe headache, confusion, trouble thinking clearly, or a seizure. These can be more serious problems from low sodium.
Baxfendy (baxdrostat) dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $870.25 | $29.01 |
| 2mg of | 30 tablets | $870.25 | $29.01 |
Typical dosage for Baxfendy (baxdrostat)
The typical dose is 2 mg by mouth once daily.
If you’re at risk of having high potassium or low sodium, the recommended dose is 1 mg by mouth once daily.
