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Kerendia

finerenone
Used for Kidney Disease
Used for Kidney Disease

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 12, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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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:

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

Common BrandsKerendia
Drug ClassMineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

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What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Low blood pressure
  • Low sodium levels
  • High uric acid levels

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
When do Kerendia (finerenone) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Low blood pressure
High potassium levels
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.

Source: DailyMed

More on Kerendia (finerenone) side effects

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The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Kerendia (finerenone)

thumbs-up

Pros

Protects your kidneys and lowers heart risks

Taken by mouth once per day

Can be taken with or without food

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for Kerendia (finerenone)

pharmacist

  • 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.

      • 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.

        • 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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            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Kerendia (finerenone)

            Is Kerendia (finerenone) a diuretic?
            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.
            What's the difference between Kerendia (finerenone) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga)?
            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.
            Is Kerendia (finerenone) safe to take with lisinopril?
            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.
            What foods should you avoid while taking Kerendia (finerenone)?
            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.
            Does Kerendia (finerenone) cause weight gain?
            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.
            Does Kerendia (finerenone) lower blood sugar?
            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.
            Does Kerendia (finerenone) cause muscle pain or weakness?
            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.
            Does Kerendia (finerenone) cause headaches?
            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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            What are the 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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              dosage

              Kerendia (finerenone) dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Kerendia (finerenone) is $677.39 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.82% off the average retail price of $824.28.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              10mg30 tablets$677.39$22.58
              20mg30 tablets$676.79$22.56

              Typical dosing 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.

              More on Kerendia (finerenone) dosage forms

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              How much does Kerendia (finerenone) cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              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.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Kerendia (finerenone)?

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

              Lowers the risk of serious health problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes, including:

              $676.79 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
              Used for:

              • Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over

              • Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

              • Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure

              • Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

              $593.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Jardiance (empagliflozin)
              Used for:

              • Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 years and older

              • Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

              • Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure

              • Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

              $622.67 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              latest news

              What is the latest news about Kerendia (finerenone)?

              Compare the differences between Kerendia and Jardiance to find out which chronic kidney disease medication may be right for you.

              Kerendia vs. Jardiance: 5 Differences Between These Kidney Disease Medications

              Compare the differences between Kerendia and Jardiance to find out which chronic kidney disease medication may be right for you.
              Learn about the differences between Kerendia and Farxiga to determine if one of these chronic kidney disease (CKD) medications may be a good option for you.

              Kerendia vs. Farxiga: 5 Differences Between These Kidney Disease Medications

              Learn about the differences between Kerendia and Farxiga to determine if one of these chronic kidney disease (CKD) medications may be a good option for you.
              Learn about five potential side effects of Kerendia, a medication used to treat chronic kidney disease. Stay informed to protect your health and well-being.

              5 Kerendia Side Effects, and How to Manage Them

              Learn about five potential side effects of Kerendia, a medication used to treat chronic kidney disease. Stay informed to protect your health and well-being.
              Kerendia can interact with other medications and certain foods and supplements. Read about common interactions to know about when taking Kerendia.

              Ciprofloxacin, Grapefruit Juice, and More: 10 Kerendia Interactions to Consider

              Kerendia can interact with other medications and certain foods and supplements. Read about common interactions to know about when taking Kerendia.
              Read on for Kerendia dosage information, including typical dosage, adjustments for health conditions, and what to do if you miss a dose.

              Kerendia Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

              Read on for Kerendia dosage information, including typical dosage, adjustments for health conditions, and what to do if you miss a dose.
              In 2021, the FDA approved 50 novel drugs. This includes medications being approved for new treatments and novel drugs for rare diseases. Learn more about the novel drugs approved in 2021 and what’s in store for 2022.

              What Novel Drugs Did the FDA Approve in 2021?

              In 2021, the FDA approved 50 novel drugs. This includes medications being approved for new treatments and novel drugs for rare diseases. Learn more about the novel drugs approved in 2021 and what’s in store for 2022.
              Recently, Kerendia (finerenone) was FDA-approved for use in lowering the risk of kidney failure and heart-related death in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a result of type 2 diabetes. Created by Bayer, Kerendia is the first medication in its class approved for this use.

              FDA Approves Kerendia for Chronic Kidney Disease in People With Diabetes

              Recently, Kerendia (finerenone) was FDA-approved for use in lowering the risk of kidney failure and heart-related death in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a result of type 2 diabetes. Created by Bayer, Kerendia is the first medication in its class approved for this use.

              References

              Best studies we found

              Ashjian, E., et al. (2023). Pharmacotherapy considerations with finerenone in the treatment of chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.

              Bakris, G. L., et al. (2020). Effect of Finerenone on Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine.

              Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2022). Kerendia- finerenone tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

              View All References (2)

              Montford, J. R., et al. (2017). How dangerous is hyperkalemia? Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

              You and Your Hormones. (2021). Aldosterone.

              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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