Does Kerendia (Finerenone) Cause Weight Gain? Plus, 5 More Kerendia FAQs to Know About

If you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or heart failure, your prescriber may recommend Kerendia (finerenone). This oral medication is one of several options for managing one or both of these chronic conditions for certain people.

It’s common to have questions about Kerendia, especially if you’re just starting it. What is it used for? And does Kerendia cause weight gain? If this is you, you’re not alone.

Below are answers to six of the most frequently asked questions about Kerendia — including whether it affects body weight.

1. Does Kerendia cause weight gain?

Kerendia shouldn’t cause weight gain. This isn’t a listed side effect in the medication’s labeling. And clinical trials suggest that the medication doesn’t lead to significant body-weight changes.

If you’ve noticed weight gain since starting Kerendia, tell your prescriber. They can determine the most likely cause. They can also work with you to help you achieve and maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you.

Sudden weight gain can be a symptom of worsening kidney function or heart failure. If you notice rapid increases in body weight, tell your prescriber right away.

2. What is Kerendia used for?

Kerendia is FDA approved to lower the risk of:

• Worsening kidney function and serious heart complications and death in adults living with CKD that’s related to Type 2 diabetes.

• Hospitalizations, urgent heart failure visits, and death in adults with heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or more.

Clinical trials suggest Kerendia also has similar benefits for people with CKD that’s unrelated to diabetes. So it’s possible that this medication could be approved for more people living with the condition in the future.

3. Is Kerendia a diuretic?

Yes. Kerendia is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as an mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). This group of medications is sometimes called aldosterone antagonists. They tend to have milder effects than other diuretics, such as loop diuretics like furosemide (Lasix).

Kerendia works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, which helps balance fluid and sodium (salt) in your body. When there’s too much aldosterone in your body, it can lead to fluid and sodium buildup. This can put extra strain on and damage your kidneys and heart over time. By blocking aldosterone, Kerendia helps take strain off these organs and reduce scarring and inflammation.

4. How is Kerendia different from spironolactone?

Kerendia and spironolactone (Aldactone) are both MRAs. But Kerendia is a nonsteroidal MRA, while spironolactone is a steroidal MRA. The chemical structure of spironolactone is similar to those of natural steroid hormones, such as aldosterone and cortisol. Kerendia’s chemical structure doesn’t resemble these hormones’.

Because of this, Kerendia is less likely to cause certain side effects, such as low sex drive and gynecomastia (male breast growth).

Beyond this, Kerendia and spironolactone have different uses. Kerendia can help manage CKD and heart failure in certain adults. Spironolcatone is used for:

• Heart failure

• High blood pressure

• Swelling due to certain liver or kidney problems

• Primary hyperaldosteronism (when your body makes too much aldosterone)

• Acne (off-label use)

• Hair loss in women (off-label use)

• Excess hair growth in women (off-label use)

• Estrogen-based gender-affirming hormone therapy (off-label use)

5. Does Kerendia lower blood pressure?

Yes, Kerendia can lower blood pressure. This is because it works by removing extra fluid from your bloodstream. Less fluid means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood to your body.

Usually, lower blood pressure is helpful for managing CKD or heart failure. But if your blood pressure is too low (hypotension), it can cause symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

When first starting Kerendia, ask your prescriber if you should check your blood pressure at home and how often. You’ll also want to ask what an ideal range is for you. If your blood pressure is consistently lower or higher than this range, tell your prescriber. You may need medication adjustments.

6. Does Kerendia increase creatinine?

Kerendia can increase creatinine for some people. But it’s usually mild and temporary. Less commonly, people may have creatinine increases that continue long term. But your levels should go back to normal if you stop taking Kerendia.

Creatinine is a waste product that your kidneys remove from your body. If your creatinine levels are high, your kidneys may not be functioning properly.

Your prescriber should check your creatinine levels (and other kidney function markers) before starting Kerendia and during treatment. Depending on your lab tests, they may suggest taking a different Kerendia dosage. Getting these blood tests done on time can help catch creatinine level increases early.

How to save on Kerendia

There are ways to save on Kerendia, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate manufacturer copay cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with a copay card. If you meet eligibility requirements, which include having commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $0 per month for Kerendia using a savings card from the manufacturer.

• Save with a patient assistance program. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Kerendia’s patient assistance program. If you qualify, you could receive the medication at no cost.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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