Kerendia
Kerendia (finerenone) is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that helps protect your kidneys and heart if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes. It's FDA approved to slow kidney damage, lower the risk of kidney failure, and reduce the chances of heart-related problems like heart attacks and heart failure hospitalizations. Kerendia (finerenone) comes as a tablet that you take once a day by mouth. Your dose depends on your kidney function and how you respond to the medication. Common side effects include high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and low sodium levels.
What is Kerendia (finerenone)?
What is Kerendia (finerenone) used for?
Lowers the risk of serious health problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes, including:
- Worsening kidney function
- Death from heart problems
- Heart attacks
- Hospitalization due to heart failure
How Kerendia (finerenone) works
Kerendia (finerenone) is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor, a protein activated by the hormones aldosterone and cortisol that helps control salt balance in your body. When overactive, this receptor can cause inflammation and scarring in your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. By stopping this overactivation, Kerendia (finerenone) helps reduce salt buildup and protects your kidneys and heart.
Drug facts
Side effects of Kerendia (finerenone)
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 potassium levels (14%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Low blood pressure
- Low sodium levels
- High uric acid levels
Kerendia (finerenone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, tiredness, chest pain, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, pounding heart, nausea
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The following Kerendia (finerenone) 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
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
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Pros and cons of Kerendia (finerenone)
Pros
- Protects your kidneys and lowers heart risks
- Taken by mouth once per day
- Can be taken with or without food
Cons
- Won't be able to "feel" the medication working
- Can raise blood potassium levels
- Requires regular blood test to check potassium levels and kidney function
Pharmacist tips for Kerendia (finerenone)
- Keep track of your appointments to see your prescriber and to get any blood work done while taking Kerendia (finerenone). Your care team will order tests (e.g., sodium and potassium levels, kidney function, uric acid) during treatment and might change your dose based on your results.
- Take Kerendia (finerenone) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food might help.
- Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it can increase Kerendia (finerenone) levels in your body, raising your risk of side effects.
- Kerendia (finerenone) can interact with a lot of commonly used medications. Tell your care team about everything you're taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, so they can check for any unsafe combinations.
- Kerendia (finerenone) can raise potassium levels, which can be serious. Ask your prescriber if you need to limit foods high in potassium. Contact your care team if you experience nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness because these might be symptoms of high potassium levels.
- It's not known if Kerendia (finerenone) is safe in pregnancy. In animal studies, high doses of the medication caused developmental problems in babies. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your prescriber or OB-GYN provider about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
- Breastfeeding isn't recommended while taking Kerendia (finerenone) and for at least 1 day after your last dose. This is because animal studies showed harm to babies breastfed by mothers who took this medication.
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Common questions about Kerendia (finerenone)
No. Kerendia (finerenone) isn't a diuretic (water pill). It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, which helps control salt and fluid balance in your body. Because of this, it has diuretic-like effects and can make you urinate more often, helping to release extra fluid. But Kerendia (finerenone) isn't used to treat fluid overload or edema. Instead, it's a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that helps reduce inflammation and protect your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels.
Kerendia (finerenone) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga) are both used to help protect your kidneys if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but they work in different ways. Kerendia (finerenone) is only for people with Type 2 diabetes and blocks aldosterone, a hormone that can cause inflammation and scarring in your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Dapagliflozin (Farxiga), on the other hand, can be used with or without diabetes and helps your kidneys remove extra sugar and fluid through urine. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions comparing these medications.
Yes, Kerendia (finerenone) and lisinopril can be taken together. Studies show that taking both medications might help further lower the risk of complications from chronic kidney disease. However, since both medications raise potassium levels, your prescriber will likely closely monitor your potassium levels during treatment.
Since Kerendia (finerenone) can raise your potassium levels, you should limit or avoid foods high in potassium like avocados, dried apricots, raisins, and mangoes. Too much potassium can lead to high potassium levels, which can cause serious heart problems. In addition, your prescriber might have already discussed with you about following a diet that supports your kidney and heart health while also being low in sugar to help manage your condition. Talk to a nutritionist or your prescriber if you have specific questions about what foods you should or shouldn't have.
Weight gain isn't a known side effect of Kerendia (finerenone). If you notice unexpected weight changes after starting this medication, talk to your prescriber. They can help figure out the cause and see whether you need a change in your treatment plan.
No. Kerendia (finerenone) is used for people with Type 2 diabetes, but it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. It can be safely taken with your diabetes medications and won't raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar. If you frequently experience low blood sugar, contact your prescriber or diabetes specialist.
Kerendia (finerenone) isn't a medication that typically causes muscle pain or weakness. But it can raise potassium levels, and muscle weakness is one of the symptoms of high potassium. If you experience sudden and unexplained muscle weakness, contact your prescriber right away. They might check your potassium levels to make sure they're in a safe range.
Headaches weren't specifically reported as a side effect of Kerendia (finerenone) in clinical studies. However, headaches can be a symptom of low sodium levels, which is a possible side effect of this medication. Contact your prescriber if you experience a headache after starting Kerendia (finerenone). If you experience a headache after starting Kerendia (finerenone), contact your prescriber. They might check your sodium levels and suggest ways to relieve your headache.
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Risks and warnings for Kerendia (finerenone)
Kerendia (finerenone) 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: Kidney problems | Taking other medications that raise potassium | Using certain salt substitutes
Kerendia (finerenone) can raise potassium levels, which can increase your risk of serious heart problems. Your risk is higher if you take Kerendia (finerenone) with other medications that can raise potassium. Your prescriber will check your potassium levels before and during treatment to make sure they stay within a safe range. Tell your care team right away if you have signs of high potassium levels, such as muscle weakness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, or tingling. If left untreated, high potassium levels can be dangerous.
Kerendia (finerenone) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $641.45 | $21.38 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $648.00 | $21.60 |
| 40mg of | 90 tablets | $2,039.14 | $22.66 |
Typical dosage for Kerendia (finerenone)
The typical dose is 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth once a day, depending on how well your kidneys work.
Your prescriber will adjust the dose based on your blood potassium levels, kidney function, and any side effects you experience.
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How much does Kerendia (finerenone) cost?
$641.45
Kerendia (finerenone) 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 Kerendia (finerenone) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking medications that strongly interact with Kerendia (finerenone)
- Adrenal insufficiency
What are alternatives to Kerendia (finerenone)?
