Does Kerendia (Finerenone) Cause Weight Gain? Plus, 5 More Kerendia FAQs to Know About
Kerendia (finerenone) shouldn’t cause weight gain. Learn more about how Kerendia works and its effects on the heart with GoodRx.
Kerendia
Used for Heart Failure, Kidney Disease
Used for Heart Failure, Kidney Disease
Kerendia (finerenone) is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used to lower the risk of serious kidney and heart problems. It's approved for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes and for certain adults with heart failure. You take the medication by mouth once a day, with or without food. 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 problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes
- Lowers the risk of serious problems in certain adults with heart failure
How Kerendia (finerenone) works
Kerendia (finerenone) is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. It works by blocking a protein in your body called the mineralocorticoid receptor. This receptor is turned on by hormones like aldosterone and cortisol, which help control salt and fluid levels.
When this receptor is too active, it can cause inflammation and scarring in your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. By blocking it, Kerendia (finerenone) helps reduce salt buildup and protects your kidneys and heart from damage.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Kerendia |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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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
- Worsening kidney function (people with heart failure): nausea, tiredness, shortness of breath, urinating more, swelling, loss of appetite
When do Kerendia (finerenone) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Low blood pressure
High potassium levels
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
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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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$894.92
GoodRx discount
$692.12
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 all appointments and lab tests while taking Kerendia (finerenone). Your care team will check your potassium, sodium, kidney function, and uric acid levels. Your dose might be adjusted based on these results.
- Take Kerendia (finerenone) with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Kerendia (finerenone). It can raise medication levels in your body and increase side effects.
- Kerendia (finerenone) can interact with many common medications. Tell your care team about everything you're taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Kerendia (finerenone) can raise potassium levels. Ask your prescriber if you need to limit foods high in potassium. Call your care team if you have nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness because these might be symptoms of high potassium levels.
- Pregnancy: It's not known if Kerendia (finerenone) is safe during pregnancy. In animal studies, high doses caused harm to babies. Talk to your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: Don't breastfeed while taking Kerendia (finerenone) and for at least 1 day after your last dose. Animal studies showed possible harm to nursing babies.
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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.
Worsening kidney function (people with heart failure)
- Risk factors: Heart failure
Kerendia (finerenone) can sometimes make kidney function worse in people with heart failure. Your care team will check your kidney function before you start and during treatment. Tell your prescriber if you notice nausea, feeling very tired, shortness of breath, changes in how much you urinate, swelling, or loss of appetite while taking this medication.
Kerendia (finerenone) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg of Kerendia (finerenone) is $692.46 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.62% off the average retail price of $894.92. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $692.46 | $23.08 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $692.12 | $23.07 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $693.13 | $23.10 |
Typical dosage for Kerendia (finerenone)
The typical starting 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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Kerendia (brand)
$692.12
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)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Kerendia (finerenone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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