Kerendia

Kerendia is a prescription medicine that contains the active ingredient finerenone. Doctors may prescribe Kerendia to help reduce the risk of CKD or chronic kidney disease progression and certain cardiovascular complications in adults with CKD or chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes.

This medication also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart-failure–related hospitalizations in adults with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or greater. Kerendia belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs). It is taken once daily and is typically prescribed in addition to standard therapies, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, rather than as a replacement for them.

Kerendia is FDA-approved in adults for the following uses:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
• Heart failure with LVEF ≥40% (HF LVEF ≥40%).

Kerendia works by blocking mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidneys and cardiovascular system. These receptors, when overstimulated (such as in diabetes or heart failure), can cause inflammation, fibrosis (scarring), and damage to these organs. By blocking this receptor, Kerendia helps reduce the risk of kidney function decline and certain cardiovascular outcomes associated with CKD and heart failure.

If you’re prescribed Kerendia for CKD, your doctor will usually recommend the following:

• Take the medicine once daily.
• You can take Kerendia (finerenone) with or without food as your doctor suggested.
• Swallow the whole tablet with water.
• If you cannot swallow it, crush the tablet and mix it with water or as instructed by your doctor.
• Drink the mixture immediately.
• Do not change your dose or stop taking Kerendia without talking to your doctor. Abrupt stopping can affect your condition.
• Your potassium level and kidney function will be monitored with regular blood tests during treatment.

The dose of Kerendia depends on your kidney function. Here is the average Kerendia dosage chart. For correct dosage recommendations, talk to your prescriber. They will adjust the dose gradually based on your tolerance and kidney function.

After your Kerendia treatment is initiated, your practitioner will order a blood test to check whether your blood potassium levels are within a normal range. This test will be done four weeks after starting treatment. Do not initiate if serum potassium > 5.0 mEq/L.

In clinical trials (FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD), Kerendia reduced the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events in adults with CKD and type 2 diabetes. However, the medication can cause certain side effects. This is not a complete list of possible Kerendia side effects. If you notice other adverse effects that are not mentioned below, tell your doctor immediately.

Common Kerendia Side Effects

These are the most frequently reported side effects among patients. They may resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.

• Hyperkalemia (high potassium level in your blood)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Worsening of kidney function, especially in patients with heart failure

Serious Kerendia Side Effects

These effects are less common but can cause serious complications if left untreated. Get medical help if you experience:

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Extreme weakness or numbness
• Severe dizziness
• Signs of very high potassium, such as muscle paralysis

Kerendia must be dosed carefully, as levels that are too high or too low can cause problems. Here are some important Kerendia warnings that patients must be mindful of during their treatment.

• Hyperkalemia: This medication can raise your blood potassium levels. High potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. You should have potassium checked before starting Kerendia, four weeks after starting or changing your dose, and regularly during treatment. Do not start Kerendia if your potassium is too high.
• Kidney Function Changes: A temporary decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) may occur after starting Kerendia in patients with heart failure. Your eGFR will be monitored, and doses may be adjusted or temporarily stopped based on results.
• Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice: Avoid grapefruit products when taking Kerendia for CKD. They can increase drug levels and risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Talk with your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 day after stopping Kerendia after consulting with your doctor.

Monitoring While Taking Kerendia

Frequent monitoring helps ensure Kerendia (finerenone) is working properly. Before and during treatment, your healthcare provider will regularly check:

• Serum potassium levels before starting Kerendia and periodically during treatment.
• Kidney function (eGFR) before starting Kerendia and periodically during treatment.
• Blood pressure and overall health status.

Who Cannot Take Kerendia: Kerendia Contraindications

Do not take Kerendia:

• If you are allergic to Kerendia or its ingredients.
• If taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• If you have low adrenal gland function.

If you have taken too many Kerendia tablets, you may develop high potassium levels in your blood. This condition can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Many patients may also experience very low blood pressure (hypotension). If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control center or your healthcare provider immediately. Possible Kerendia overdose symptoms may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Confusion
• Numbness in the feet, lips, or hands
• Dizziness or fainting

Kerendia does not replace other CKD medications. Instead, it adds targeted kidney and cardiovascular risk reduction when used alongside standard therapies, like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in adults with CKD and type 2 diabetes.

These drugs work in different ways and target different risks. Below is a clear comparison of Kerendia with other commonly prescribed CKD-related medications to help patients understand how they differ. These comparisons are for general educational purposes and do not replace medical advice.

Kerendia vs. Farxiga for CKD

Both of these drugs are used to protect kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk, but they work differently and are often prescribed together under medical supervision for better results. There is no single better option between the two. Farxiga is commonly prescribed earlier for CKD in many patients, while Kerendia is commonly prescribed by doctors in combination for extra kidney and heart protection when potassium levels allow.

Kerendia vs. Jardiance

Jardiance is often started earlier, especially when diabetes control is needed. Kerendia is added when further kidney and heart protection is required.

Kerendia vs. Eplerenone

Both of these drugs belong to the same drug family but differ in selectivity and safety profile. For CKD patients with type 2 diabetes, doctors often prefer Kerendia because it is FDA-approved for kidney protection.

Kerendia vs. Spironolactone

Spironolactone is an older and widely used drug, while Kerendia is newer and more selective. For long-term kidney protection, doctors may consider Kerendia in certain patients. Spironolactone may still be used for certain heart conditions, but it is less ideal for CKD patients.

Kerendia can interact with several medications. Some interactions may require dose adjustments, timing changes, or close monitoring by your healthcare provider. This list does not contain all possible Kerendia interactions. So, always tell your doctor about the medications you are taking during your CKD treatment.

Strictly avoid combining with

• Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Clarithromycin
  • Voriconazole
  • Telithromycin
  • Ritonavir
  • Indinavir
  • Nelfinavir
  • Nefazodone

Use caution when taking

• CYP3A4 Inducers:
  • Carbamazepine
  • Rifampicin
  • Phenytoin

Monitor closely when taking with

• Potassium-Increasing Agents:
  • Lisinopril
  • Spironolactone
  • Losartan
  • Potassium supplements

If Kerendia is not suitable for you, several other treatment options are available. Your doctor will help choose the safest and most effective alternative based on your kidney function and health conditions.

SGLT2 Inhibitors:

• Farxiga
• Jardiance
• Invokana

ACE Inhibitors & ARBs:

• Lisinopril
• Valsartan

Other Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs):

• Spironolactone

Many patients may choose to order Kerendia from Canada because it is often more affordable than U.S. retail prices. At Polar Bear Meds, we source our medications from a network of licensed Canadian and international pharmacies that follow strict dispensing regulations. When you buy Kerendia online from our pharmacy, you can save a significant amount, often at prices lower than typical U.S. retail rates.

Ordering Kerendia from Canada requires a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider. You can also enjoy several savings programs, including:

• Kerendia coupon to get 10% off your first order.
• Competitive pricing
• Referral programs

• https://www.kerendia-us.com
• https://labeling.bayerhealthcare.com/html/products/pi/Kerendia_PI.pdf
• https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02545049
• https://www.wikijournalclub.org/wiki/FIDELIO-DKD