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Jesduvroq

daprodustat
Used for Anemia, Kidney Disease
Used for Anemia, Kidney Disease

Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in February 2023 treat anemia in adults who are receiving dialysis. It's taken by mouth once a day. This is more convenient in comparison to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), which needs to be injected. Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can cause serious side effects, including heart attack and stroke. Before starting treatment, tell your provider about your medical history so they can make sure this medication is safe for you.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Jesduvroq (daprodustat)?

What is Jesduvroq (daprodustat) used for?

  • Anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who've been on dialysis for at least 4 months

How Jesduvroq (daprodustat) works

Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is a hypoxia-inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor. It helps prevent your body from breaking down HIF, a protein that responds to low oxygen. HIF triggers the production of different hormones, including erythropoietin (EPO), which sends a signal to your body to make more red blood cells. This helps to treat anemia and ultimately avoid the need for blood transfusions.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsJesduvroq
Drug ClassHIF-PH inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Jesduvroq (daprodustat)?

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 blood pressure (24%)
  • Blood clots (>10%)
  • Stomach pain (11%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Skin reactions (e.g., rash, itching)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously high blood pressure: headaches, changes in vision, confusion, anxiety, flushing, chest pain, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting
  • Stroke: sudden confusion, severe headache, facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, trouble walking
  • Heart attack: chest pain that travels to your arm or jaw, heartburn, sweating, trouble breathing, nausea, stomach pain
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): swollen leg, redness, pain, or warmth in the area with blood clot
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE): chest pain, cough, trouble breathing, feeling lightheaded
  • Serious stomach bleeding: red blood in vomit, coffee-ground vomit, black or tarry stool, blood in the urine, stomach pain
  • Heart failure: difficulty breathing, sudden weight gain, wheezing, swelling, tiredness

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Jesduvroq (daprodustat)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once a day

Taken by mouth, so it's more convenient than ESAs that need to be injected

The first medication of its class, so it might work for people with CKD on dialysis who didn’t see benefits with other medications for anemia

thumbs-down

Cons

Not safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding

Interacts with some medications, including gemfibrozil (Lopid) and clopidogrel (Plavix)

Raises the risk of heart attack and stroke

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Jesduvroq (daprodustat)

pharmacist

  • You can take Jesduvroq (daprodustat) with or without food, but swallow the tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or cut the tablets because this can change the way the medication works for you.

    • Talk to your provider if you have a history of heart or blood clotting problems. Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can raise your risk of blood clots and might make you more prone to heart attacks or stroke. Get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of blood clots, including chest pain, breathing problems, or sudden weakness or confusion.

      • Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can raise your blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. Your provider will need to check your blood pressure regularly before and during treatment to make sure this medication is safe for you. If you have a history of high blood pressure, make sure to take your blood pressure medications as prescribed to keep it under control.

        • Before starting Jesduvroq (daprodustat), you'll need to get blood work done to check your liver health, iron levels, and blood cell counts. Make sure you get routine blood tests done on time while you're taking this medication. Your provider might need to adjust your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) based on the results of your lab work to prevent serious side effects, such as blood clots. By getting regular blood tests done, your provider can continue to make sure Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is working and is safe for you.

          • Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can interact with many medications. For example, you won't be able to take medications such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), during treatment with Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Doing so can cause the body to absorb more of this medication, causing greater risk of side effects. Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start Jesduvroq (daprodustat).

            • If you accidentally took more than your prescribed dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat), or you experience symptoms of severe headache or nausea, get medical attention right away. These might be signs of serious side effect, such as dangerously high blood pressure or a blood clot.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Jesduvroq (daprodustat)

              How well does Jesduvroq (daprodustat) work for treating anemia?
              A clinical trial looked at how well Jesduvroq (daprodustat) worked for treating anemia in comparison to the ESAs (the standard treatment), among adults with CKD who are on dialysis. Results showed that Jesduvroq (daprodustat) worked as well as ESAs in raising hemoglobin levels to the target range (thus helping avoid blood transfusions). If you've any questions about whether Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is right for you, follow up with your provider for more information.
              Do I need to take iron supplements with Jesduvroq (daprodustat)?
              Ask your provider if you need to take iron supplements with Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Even though Jesduvroq (daprodustat) will tell your body to make more red blood cells, your body still needs enough iron in order to do so. If your iron levels are low, your body might not respond to this medication very well. Therefore, before starting Jesduvroq (daprodustat), your provider will check your iron levels and prescribe iron supplements if needed.
              Can Jesduvroq (daprodustat) interact with other medications?
              Yes, Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can interact with some medications. Always let your provider know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start. For example, medications like clopidogrel (Plavix) can raise the amount of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) in your body. This puts you at higher risk for serious side effects, such as blood clots. If you've been taking clopidogrel (Plavix), your provider will likely lower your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Other medications, like rifampin (Rifadin), might cause Jesduvroq (daprodustat) to not work as well. If you're taking rifampin (Rifadin), your provider might need to monitor your hemoglobin levels more often and adjust your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) as needed.
              Can I take Jesduvroq (daprodustat) if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
              Jesduvroq (daprodustat) hasn’t been well-studied in pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. But animal studies showed that Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can cause harm to pregnant mothers (e.g., loss of pregnancy) and unborn babies (e.g., low birth weight). In addition, Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is found in animal breast milk, which means it's likely in human breast milk as well. Since there's a risk of serious side effects to babies (e.g., blood clot), it's recommended that you don't breastfeed during and for a week after treatment with Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Let your provider know if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before you start Jesduvroq (daprodustat).
              Can I still take Jesduvroq (daprodustat) if I'm not receiving dialysis?
              Currently, Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is only FDA-approved for people with anemia with long-term kidney problems who are on dialysis. It isn't clear whether Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is safe for people who aren't receiving dialysis. If you've anemia and kidney problems, but aren't on dialysis, discuss with your provider what are some possible options to treat your anemia.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Jesduvroq (daprodustat)?

              Jesduvroq (daprodustat) 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.

              risk-warning

              Risk of serious blood clots and stroke

              • Risk factors: Heart attack or stroke in the past 3 months | Hemoglobin levels rising too quickly | Hemoglobin levels greater than 11 g/dL

                Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can cause serious blood clot problems (e.g., heart attack and stroke), which can be life-threatening. The risk is higher if you have a history of heart conditions, blood vessel problems, or if you have higher levels of hemoglobin. You won't be able to take this medication if you had an episode of a blood clot in the last 3 months, such as a heart attack or stroke. Blood clots can form in places like your legs, lungs, heart, or brain. To lower your risk of serious clots, your provider will work with you to find the lowest dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) that helps you avoid blood transfusions.

                Get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of blood clots:

                risk-warning

                Hospitalization for heart failure

                • Risk factor: History of heart failure

                  Jesduvroq (daprodustat) might worsen symptoms of heart failure. Your risk is higher if you have a history of heart failure. In some cases, people have had to go to the hospital for their heart failure after taking this medication. Tell your provider right away if you have symptoms of heart failure, such as trouble breathing, cough, wheezing, swelling, or tiredness.

                  risk-warning

                  High blood pressure

                  • Risk factor: High blood pressure that's not well-controlled

                    Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can raise your blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. As a result, this medication isn't recommended for you if your blood pressure isn't well-controlled. To make sure this medication is safe for you, your provider will check your blood pressure regularly while you take Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Sometimes, your provider might prescribe you or adjust your dose of blood pressure medications to better control your blood pressure. If you experience symptoms of dangerously high blood pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, blurry vision, or seizures, get medical help right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Damage to lining of the stomach

                    • Risk factors: smoking tobacco | Drinking alcohol| Taking medications that cause stomach problems | History of stomach problems

                      Jesduvroq (daprodustat) can sometimes damage the lining of the stomach and lead to problems, such as stomach bleeding or sores. The risk is higher if you take medications that can irritate the stomach (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen), or if you have a history of stomach problems (e.g., heartburn, stomach ulcers). Let your provider know right away if you have signs or symptoms of stomach problems, such as dark stool, blood in the urine, or coffee-ground vomit.

                      risk-warning

                      Possible worsening of cancer

                      • Risk factor: History of cancer

                        Based on the way Jesduvroq (daprodustat) works, there's a possible risk that it can cause cancer cells to grow. The safety of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) haven't been studied in people who have cancer. If you're currently being treated for cancer or if you have a history of cancer, let your provider know. Your provider will likely recommend that you don't take this medication.

                        dosage

                        Jesduvroq (daprodustat) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 30 tablets of 2mg of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is $240.92 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        1mg180 tablets$708.24$3.93
                        2mg30 tablets$240.92$8.03
                        4mg30 tablets$474.58$15.82
                        6mg30 tablets$708.24$23.61
                        8mg30 tablets$941.91$31.40

                        Typical dosing for Jesduvroq (daprodustat)

                        Adults not taking an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA)

                        • Your provider will determine your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) based on your hemoglobin level. The typical starting dose is 1 mg to 4 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might change your dose every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on your hemoglobin level. The maximum daily dose is 24 mg daily.

                        Adults switching from an ESA

                        • Your provider will determine your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) based on what ESA you're taking and the dose of your ESA. The typical starting dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) is 4 mg to 12 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might change your dose every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on your hemoglobin level. The maximum daily dose is 24 mg daily.

                        Your dose of Jesduvroq (daprodustat) might be different if you have liver problems or if you're taking certain medications that might interact with Jesduvroq (daprodustat).

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                        How much does Jesduvroq (daprodustat) cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Jesduvroq (daprodustat) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Jesduvroq (daprodustat) will not be safe for you to take.
                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Jesduvroq (daprodustat)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Jesduvroq (daprodustat). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Jesduvroq (daprodustat)
                        Used for:

                        • Anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults who've been on dialysis for at least 4 months

                        $240.92 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Epogen (epoetin alfa)
                        Used for:

                        • Treatment of anemia due to chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, and zidovudine use in HIV-infected patients

                        • Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients having elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery

                        $1087.05 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
                        Used for:
                        $789.69 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        American Heart Association. (2023). Heart failure signs and symptoms.

                        Becker, K. A., et al. (2018). An emerging treatment alternative for anemia in chronic kidney disease patients: A review of daprodustat. Advances in Therapy.

                        Billett, H. H., et al. (1990). Chapter 151: Hemoglobin and hematocrit. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations, 3rd edition.

                        View All References (6)

                        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Know the risks, signs & symptoms of blood clots.

                        GlaxoSmithKline LLC. (2023). Jesduvroq- daprodustat tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        MedlinePlus. (2022). Hemoglobin test.

                        National Kidney Foundation. (2015). Hemodialysis access.

                        Singh, A. K., et al. (2021). Daprodustat for the treatment of anemia in patients undergoing dialysis. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                        U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves first oral treatment for anemia caused by chronic kidney disease for adults on dialysis.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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