When should I take Kerendia?

You will take Kerendia tablets once daily by mouth with or without food. If you are unable to swallow the tablets whole tablets, you may crush them and mix with water or soft foods such as applesauce right before you take it. Your healthcare provider will determine the correct dose for you based on your kidney function, and may increase your dose after 4 weeks.

Before and after treatment starts, your doctor will monitor your potassium levels and kidney function with lab tests, as needed.

You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit juice with Kerendia, as it may increase blood levels of the drug and lead to side effects.

Talk to your doctor before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.

There are many possible drug interactions with Kerendia, so be sure your pharmacist reviews all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), vitamins and herbal and dietary supplements. Drug interactions may increase the risk of side effects or lower the effectiveness of Kerendia.

Because of potential side effects to breastfed infants from exposure to Kerendia, avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 day after treatment.

How does Kerendia work?

Kerendia (finerenone) is classified as a non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and is used to treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia is thought to work by blocking overactivation of the mineralocorticoid receptor that may contribute to fibrosis, inflammation and permanent kidney damage.

As shown in Phase 3 studies review by the FDA for approval, Kerendia is used to lower the risk of:

• worsening of kidney disease
• kidney failure
• death due to cardiovascular (heart-related) disease
• heart attack
• hospitalization for heart failure

The Kerendia label warns about the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), a common side effect. Hyperkalemia occurred in 18.3% of patients taking Kerendia compared to 9% on placebo. Other common side effects include hypotension (low blood pressure) and hyponatremia (low sodium levels).

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when your kidneys do not work properly and this worsens over time. Your kidneys help to filter out waste products and fluids from your body through your urine. When your kidney do not work properly, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body

People with type 2 diabetes have an increase risk of having chronic kidney disease. CKD may occur without any symptoms in the early stages, and may lead to the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Early treatment may prevent worsening kidney function.

Symptoms of CKD include:

• nausea / Vomiting
• loss of appetite
• fatigue and weakness
• trouble sleeping
• urinating less or more frequently
• muscle cramps
• inability to focus
• swelling of feet and ankles
• dry or itchy skin
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• shortness of breath
• chest pain

If you have diabetes it is important to get your kidneys checked regularly by your doctor, even if you do not have symptoms. They will monitor your kidney health with regular blood and urine tests.

This is not all the information you need to know about Kerendia (finerenone) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.