What is Kerendia?
Kerendia is an oral medication used in adult patients with chronic kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Kerendia is called finerenone.
Conditions that are treated by Kerendia
Kerendia is used to treat chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia helps to slow the risk of kidney failure and heart failure in these patients. Kerendia works by blocking the action of a hormone called aldosterone on receptors in the kidneys and blood vessels. Aldosterone helps the body regulate sodium and water levels by increasing the reabsorption of sodium and water from the kidneys. Aldosterone also helps the kidneys excrete potassium.
What are the side effects Kerendia?
Overall, Kerendia is well-tolerated by most patients. The main side effect of Kerendia is hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). High potassium levels can occur because of Kerendia’s action on the aldosterone hormone. Since aldosterone normally helps the kidneys get rid of potassium, the body can have a build-up of potassium in the blood if Kerendia is blocking the action of aldosterone.
You should not start Kerendia if your blood potassium level is greater than 5.0 (mEq/L). Once you start this medication, your doctor will monitor your potassium levels closely to make sure that your levels do not get too high. Other less common symptoms of Kerendia include low blood pressure and low sodium levels.
What you should know before using Kerendia
The starting dose of Kerendia is based on your kidney function. The dose can be 10 mg or 20 mg once daily. Kerendia comes in 10 mg or 20 mg tablet sizes. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you can crush the tablet and mix it in water or soft foods.
Your doctor will monitor your blood levels while you are taking Kerendia. Your dose may be adjusted depending on your potassium levels and kidney function.
If you miss a dose of Kerendia, take it when you remember, as long as it is on the same day. Do not double up on a dose. Certain drugs or foods can interact with Kerendia. Kerendia should not be used with medications such as clarithromycin, ketoconazole, atazanavir, darunavir, ritonavir, and some others. You should also avoid grapefruit juice while taking Kerendia. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications and/or supplements you are taking to make sure that there are no interactions. Patients with severe liver disease should not use Kerendia.
FAQ’s:
1) Where can I buy Kerendia online?Patients and caregivers can buy Kerendia at discounted prices online at NorthWestPharmacy.com.