Baxfendy (baxdrostat) is used to treat high blood pressure. It is typically prescribed in addition to other blood pressure medicines when other medicines do not work well enough to lower your blood pressure.
Like most medicines, Baxfendy may cause side effects. Some are more common than others, and some may improve as your body adjusts to treatment.
Keep reading to learn about possible side effects of Baxfendy, what you can do to prevent them, what to do if they happen, and when to reach out to your health care provider.
This article does not include all possible Baxfendy side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that are ongoing or bother you, even if they are not listed.
Common Baxfendy Side Effects
The most common Baxfendy side effects are changes in some blood test results, such as potassium and sodium levels. Other side effects may include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
In most cases, these side effects are temporary and often improve on their own. However, contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms that feel severe or last longer than a few days. Do not stop taking Baxfendy unless your provider recommends it.
Serious Side Effects of Baxfendy
Less common but potentially serious side effects of Baxfendy may include:
- High potassium levels
- Low sodium levels
- Allergic reactions
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and explain what steps to take next.
Below, we’ll cover possible Baxfendy side effects in more detail, including steps you can take to help prevent or relieve them.
Tips for Managing Baxfendy Side Effects
Some side effects can be managed with simple strategies.
1. High potassium levels
High blood levels of potassium, also called hyperkalemia, are the most common side effect reported with Baxfendy. In studies, high potassium levels were reported in about 10% of people taking Baxfendy 2 milligrams (mg) and about 7% of people taking Baxfendy 1 mg.
High potassium levels do not always cause symptoms. However, some people may experience:
- Muscle weakness
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest discomfort
Your health care provider will check your potassium levels with blood tests before and during treatment with Baxfendy.
Your risk of experiencing this side effect may be higher if you:
- Are aged 65 or older
- Have diabetes
- Have kidney problems
- Take other medicines or supplements that can raise potassium levels
To help lower your risk:
- Attend all recommended blood test appointments.
- Tell your health care provider about all medicines and supplements you take.
- Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium (unless your provider recommends them).
- Make diet changes and limit your intake of high-potassium foods, as recommended by your health care provider or a registered dietitian.
If your potassium levels become high, your health care provider may pause or stop Baxfendy, lower your dose, or suggest more frequent monitoring. Do not change your dosage or stop the medicine on your own.
2. Low sodium levels
Treatment with Baxfendy can result in low sodium levels (hyponatremia). In studies, low sodium levels were reported in about 3% of people taking Baxfendy.
Possible symptoms of low sodium levels include:
- Unusual tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
Your health care provider will monitor your sodium levels with blood tests before and during treatment.
Your risk may be higher if you already have low sodium levels before starting Baxfendy or if you take other medicines that can lower sodium levels. Examples include certain diuretics (water pills) and some antidepressants.
Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms that feel severe or do not go away. If your sodium levels become low, your health care provider may temporarily stop Baxfendy, lower your dose, or suggest other treatments.
3. Dizziness or low blood pressure
Some people may experience dizziness or low blood pressure while taking Baxfendy. In studies, low blood pressure was reported in about 2%-4% of people taking Baxfendy, and dizziness was reported in about 3% of people.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Feeling faint or weak
- Unsteadiness when standing up
- Fainting or feeling like you might pass out
These symptoms may be more noticeable when first starting treatment or when standing up quickly. Your symptoms may improve as your body gets used to the medicine.
To help manage dizziness:
- Stand up slowly when rising from sitting or lying down.
- Sit or lie down if you begin to feel faint or dizzy.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration may contribute to dizziness.
Tell your health care provider if dizziness becomes severe, happens often, or leads to falls or fainting. Your dose or treatment plan may need adjustment.
4. Muscle spasms
Muscle spasms were reported in a small number of people taking Baxfendy during clinical studies. Symptoms may include muscle tightening, pain, or cramps.
To manage muscle spasms, it may help to do some gentle stretching, massage the area, and stay hydrated. You may also try a heating pad or a warm bath to ease tightness.
Some people may benefit from over-the-counter muscle rubs or pain relievers, but check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to find safe options for you.
Tell your health care provider if muscle spasms happen often or feel severe while taking Baxfendy.
Reducing Your Risk of Baxfendy Side Effects
Tips to reduce your risk of side effects:
- Take Baxfendy and other blood pressure medicines as directed.
- Attend all recommended blood test appointments.
- Keep track of any new or changing symptoms and share them with your health care provider.
- Follow any diet or exercise recommendations from your health care team.
- Tell your health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take and any vitamins, dietary supplements, herbal products, or salt substitutes you use.
Do not stop taking Baxfendy or change your treatment plan on your own. Your health care provider can help decide whether changes to your treatment are needed.
