Description

Evrenzo (roxadustat) is an oral medication used to treat anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Drug class

Evrenzo is a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor.

Indications

Evrenzo is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adults.

Mechanism of action

Evrenzo works by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PH). HIF is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells). When oxygen levels in the blood are low, HIF levels increase, stimulating erythropoiesis. Evrenzo inhibits HIF-PH, which leads to an increase in HIF levels and, consequently, an increase in erythropoiesis.

Dosage and administration

Evrenzo is taken orally, three times per week, not on consecutive days. The starting dose depends on the patient’s weight and is adjusted based on the patient’s hemoglobin levels.

Effectiveness

Evrenzo has been shown to be effective in treating anemia in patients with CKD in clinical trials. It has been shown to be comparable to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in terms of efficacy, but with fewer side effects.

Side effects

The most common side effects of Evrenzo are hypertension, vascular access thrombosis, diarrhea, peripheral edema, hyperkalemia, and nausea.

Contraindications

Evrenzo is contraindicated in patients with:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Severe hyperkalemia
• A history of thrombosis

Evrenzo should be used with caution in patients with:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• A history of cancer

Additional information

Evrenzo is a relatively new medication, but it has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for anemia in patients with CKD. It is generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects than other anemia treatments, such as ESAs.

If you are considering taking Evrenzo, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.