Kerendia
Kerendia is a brand-name medication prescribed for chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia belongs to a group of drugs called mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).
Kerendia is a brand-name medication prescribed for chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia belongs to a group of drugs called mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).
- Brand
- • Tablet
- • 10mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on October 25, 2023
Kerendia is a brand-name medication prescribed for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia belongs to a group of drugs called mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kerendia for CKD in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of the following complications:
- worsening kidney function
- kidney failure
- hospitalization for heart failure
- heart attack
- death due to a cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) problem
Side effects
Side effects of Kerendia
Kerendia may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Kerendia and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Kerendia’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Kerendia listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with Kerendia are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Kerendia’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Kerendia listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Kerendia’s mild side effects include:
- low blood pressure
- low sodium levels
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Kerendia” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Kerendia are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Kerendia’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Kerendia listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Kerendia’s serious side effects include:
- high potassium levels
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Kerendia” section.
FAQ
Common questions about Kerendia
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Kerendia.
How does Kerendia compare with Farxiga?
Kerendia and Farxiga have some similar uses. They’re both approved to reduce the risk of worsening kidney function and kidney failure in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They’re also approved to reduce your risk of being hospitalized for heart failure and death due to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. Kerendia can also help reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Farxiga also is approved for some other uses. Kerendia and Farxiga belong to different groups of drugs, so they work differently. Kerendia is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Farxiga is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. As an SGLT2 inhibitor, Farxiga can help manage blood sugar levels in certain people with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia doesn’t do this. These two drugs have different side effects and warnings.
You can learn more about how these two drugs compare by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is Kerendia’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?
Kerendia works by blocking mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs). MRs are sites on cells that are activated by certain hormones. In type 2 diabetes, these MR sites are overactive. This can lead to inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Blocking these MR sites can help slow the damage to these organs that happens in type 2 diabetes.
Kerendia will start working within an hour of taking a dose. When you first start taking Kerendia, it may take a few days for the drug to reach its full effect. You may not notice a difference in the way you feel. But the drug is working to help reduce your risk of complications from CKD in type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will let you know what to expect when you start taking Kerendia.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of Kerendia
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Kerendia for certain conditions. The approved use for Kerendia is described below.
Use for kidney disease related to type 2 diabetes
Doctors may prescribe Kerendia oral tablet for treating CKD related to type 2 diabetes. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Specifically, Kerendia is used to reduce the risk of the following complications:
- worsening kidney function
- kidney failure
- hospitalization for heart failure
- heart attack
- death due to a cardiovascular (heart or blood vessel) problem
In type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys. Over time, this can lead to CKD. High blood sugar levels can also damage the heart and blood vessels. Managing blood sugar levels and keeping them in the target range is the best way to prevent more kidney, heart, and blood vessel damage. But taking Kerendia can also help.
Kerendia works differently than medications that manage blood sugar. Because of this, it’s usually prescribed together with medications to treat diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe a medication for blood pressure.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for Kerendia
Below, you’ll find information about Kerendia’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Kerendia
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Kerendia, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Kerendia” section below.
Warnings for Kerendia
Some people should not take Kerendia, and others should take it cautiously.
Kerendia could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Kerendia is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Kerendia, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Kerendia can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Kerendia or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Kerendia. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Kerendia, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of Kerendia
You should not take more Kerendia than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much Kerendia, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Kerendia
Information about Kerendia and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Kerendia and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Kerendia should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Kerendia and breastfeeding
Kerendia should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with Kerendia.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about Kerendia or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How will I know if Kerendia is working?
- Do any of my other medications interact with Kerendia?
- What is the most important information I need to know about Kerendia?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Kerendia (finerenone) tablets, for oral use. (2022). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215341s001lbl.pdf
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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