eplerenone

Possibly, but gynecomastia is pretty rare with eplerenone (Inspra). In studies, it was reported in about 0.5% of men taking the medication. Gynecomastia is a condition in men where breast tissue increases in size. While not life threatening, it can be an unwanted side effect. But risk for this side effect is much lower with eplerenone (Inspra) than with other similar medications, such as spironolactone (Aldactone). Typically, if someone experiences gynecomastia with spironolactone, their healthcare provider will switch them to eplerenone (Inspra). If you experience breast tenderness or swelling of the breast tissue while taking eplerenone (Inspra), contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Spironolactone (Aldactone), like eplerenone (Inspra), is also an aldosterone antagonist that’s used to lower blood pressure and increase survival in people with heart failure. But eplerenone (Inspra) is associated with fewer hormone-related side effects, like gynecomastia, low sex drive, and changes in menstruation. So eplerenone (Inspra) is often recommended if people are unable to tolerate some side effects of spironolactone. Also, eplerenone (Inspra) interacts with more medications when compared to spironolactone (Aldactone), so make sure that you tell your healthcare provider what medications you take. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about either medication.

In studies, weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect in people taking eplerenone (Inspra). But it doesn’t mean that it can’t happen to you. If you notice weight gain or swelling in your legs or other parts of the body, contact your healthcare provider to determine the next best steps for you.

It's unclear whether or not eplerenone (Inspra) causes kidney problems on its own. Studies showed that some people who took eplerenone (Inspra) experienced an increase in the level of creatinine in the blood, which can suggest kidney damage or kidney problems. But these people also had other risk factors for higher creatinine levels, so it's unclear whether the increase is caused by eplerenone (Inspra) or something else. If you have kidney problems, talk with your provider. Eplerenone (Inspra) isn't recommended for people with serious kidney problems. In addition, it can cause high potassium levels, which can be made worse with kidney problems.

No. Although beta blockers are also used to lower blood pressure, and in some instances treat heart failure, eplerenone (Inspra) isn't a beta blocker. Instead it’s an aldosterone antagonist that works to help the body remove sodium and water through the kidneys. Beta blockers, such as carvedilol (Coreg) or metoprolol (Lopressor), work by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels. Talk to your provider to determine which medication is best for you.

Maybe. There isn't enough information to know if eplerenone (Inspra) is completely safe to use while pregnant. In animal studies, there weren’t any birth defects reported when using this medication. But that doesn’t mean that there is no risk to an unborn child while taking eplerenone (Inspra). Before taking eplerenone (Inspra), let your provider know if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.