Reviews (5)Overview: Kerendia is used to help protect the kidneys and heart in people with kidney disease associated with diabetes. It is also used in certain people with heart failure to lower the risk of serious heart-related complications. Kerendia works by blocking proteins (called mineralocorticoid receptors) that can become overactive and damage the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Common side effects include high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and low sodium levels. Your health care provider will check your potassium level and kidney function before and during treatment to help make sure Kerendia is safe for you.
Uses
What is Kerendia used for?
Kerendia (finerenone) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower the risk of serious complications, hospital stays, and urgent visits for worsening heart failure in certain people with heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should
- To reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and serious heart problems in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to type 2 diabetes
- To reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with CKD related to type 1 diabetes
Learn more about Kerendia for Chronic Kidney Disease
Kerendia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Kerendia work (mechanism of action)?
Kerendia blocks a protein called the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is found in the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Certain hormones turn on this receptor and affect how the kidneys handle sodium and water. Too much activity of this receptor may lead to inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. By blocking the receptor, Kerendia reduces the amount of sodium reabsorbed by the kidneys and may help protect the kidneys and heart.
How is Kerendia supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
Kerendia
Dosage forms and strengths
- 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg oral tablets
How should I store Kerendia?
Store Kerendia at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Kerendia?
The most common side effects of Kerendia are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- High potassium level (see below)
- Low sodium level, called hyponatremia
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
There may be other side effects of Kerendia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Kerendia?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Kerendia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Kerendia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Kerendia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Kerendia can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Kerendia?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Kerendia.
- Finerenone
- Kerendia
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Kerendia.
Drug Interactions. Kerendia should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Kerendia, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Reduced Adrenal Function (Adrenal Insufficiency). People who have adrenal insufficiency should not take Kerendia. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which you are not making enough cortisol (the “stress hormone”) or aldosterone in your adrenal glands. Although symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are not always obvious, you may have low blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, or weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It is best to ask your health care provider to confirm if you have adrenal insufficiency.
What should I know about Kerendia before using it?
Do not take Kerendia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Kerendia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Kerendia out of the reach of children.
If you have trouble swallowing whole pills, you may crush Kerendia and mix it with water or soft foods, such as pudding or applesauce. If you add Kerendia to water or food, be sure to take it right away after mixing it in.
You will need to have your potassium level checked while taking Kerendia. You may also need other tests to check your heart and/or kidneys. Keep all appointments for tests and blood work.
It is important to talk with your health care provider before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes. These can increase your potassium too much while taking Kerendia.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Kerendia?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Kerendia is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Kidney Problems in People with Heart Failure. If you have heart failure, taking Kerendia may cause your kidneys to not work as well. Before starting this medicine, your health care provider will check your kidney function to see if Kerendia is safe for you. You may also need tests to check your kidneys while taking Kerendia.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Kerendia may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Kerendia, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Persistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can lead to dehydration
- Electrolyte issues, especially high potassium
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kerendia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Kerendia passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking Kerendia and for 1 day after treatment. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Kerendia.
How can I get more information about Kerendia?
For more information about Kerendia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.kerendia-us.com or call them at 862-404-3000.
Interactions
Does Kerendia interact with foods or drinks?
You should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Kerendia. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Kerendia in your body, raising the risk of side effects.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kerendia.
Does Kerendia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Kerendia.
- Amiloride (Midamor), eplerenone (Inspra), triamterene (Dyrenium), or spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir), which is a type of diuretic, also called a water pill
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A direct renin inhibitor, such as aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine that contains potassium, such as penicillin G potassium or potassium chloride
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- Any other medicine or supplement that can increase potassium levels
- Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Kerendia. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Kerendia. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Kerendia?
If you or someone else has used too much Kerendia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Kerendia?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you notice, but only on the same day. If this is not possible, skip the missed dose and continue with your next dose as scheduled.
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