What is Kerendia (finerenone)?

Kerendia (finerenone) is a prescription medication used to treat adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), which means it works by blocking the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that can damage the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels.

Uses:

Kerendia is used to:

• Slow down the progression of CKD
• Reduce the risk of kidney failure
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and hospitalization for heart failure

How to use:

Kerendia is taken orally once a day with food. The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg or 20 mg, depending on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum potassium level. Your doctor may increase your dosage to 20 mg after 4 weeks, if it is safe to do so.

Dosage:

The recommended dosage of Kerendia is 20 mg orally once daily. However, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage, such as 10 mg, if you have certain risk factors, such as severe kidney disease or high blood potassium levels. Your doctor will adjust your dosage as needed, based on your eGFR and serum potassium level.

Mechanism of action:

Kerendia works by blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which is a receptor that is found in the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. When aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, binds to the MR, it can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and scarring. Kerendia blocks the MR from binding to aldosterone, which helps to protect the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels from damage.

Storage conditions:

Kerendia should be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C) in a dry place. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Precautions:

Before taking Kerendia, talk to your doctor about your medical history, including any other medications you are taking. Kerendia may not be right for you if you have:

• Severe kidney disease
• High blood potassium levels
• Adrenal insufficiency
• A history of heart failure
• A history of liver disease
• A history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart muscle is thickened)

Interactions:

Kerendia can interact with other medications, including:

• Potassium supplements
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors
• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Metformin
• Warfarin

Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking before starting Kerendia.

Contraindications:

Kerendia is contraindicated in patients who:

• Are receiving concomitant treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
• Have adrenal insufficiency

Side effects:

The most common side effects of Kerendia are:

• Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels)
• Hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels)
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Back pain
• Cough
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness

Overdose:

In the event of a suspected overdose of Kerendia, immediately interrupt treatment and contact your doctor or poison control center. The most likely manifestation of overdose is hyperkalemia. If hyperkalemia develops, standard treatment should be initiated.

Additional information:

Kerendia is available by prescription only. Talk to your doctor to see if Kerendia is right for you.