Dosage Information for Kerendia: Forms, Strengths, Administration, and Additional Details
In a significant development for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes, a new medication called Kerendia has been introduced. Kerendia, the brand name for the drug finerenone, belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).
Kerendia has shown promising results in reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, as well as the risk of death due to heart problems, such as stroke. Moreover, it can decrease the risk of heart attack and end stage kidney disease.
The typical dosage of Kerendia for adults with CKD related to type 2 diabetes depends on kidney function, measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). For patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m², the initial and target dose is 20 mg orally once daily. For those with eGFR 25 to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², the initial dose is 10 mg orally once daily, with a target dose of 20 mg once daily if tolerated. Treatment is not recommended if eGFR is less than 25 mL/min/1.73 m² or serum potassium is above 5 mEq/L at initiation.
It's important to note that taking certain medications in combination with Kerendia may increase the risk of high potassium levels. Medications such as Diflucan (fluconazole) and Verelan (verapamil) are examples of drugs that may pose this risk.
If you have trouble reading your prescription label, discussing options with your doctor or pharmacist is advisable. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. Additionally, if you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Kerendia in an easy-open container.
If your local pharmacy doesn't have Kerendia, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does. In some cases, they may also recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
In summary, Kerendia is administered orally once daily, starting with 10 or 20 mg depending on eGFR, aiming at a target dose of 20 mg daily in most CKD patients with type 2 diabetes, with close potassium monitoring to guide dose adjustments. This new medication offers a promising addition to the management of CKD in adults with type 2 diabetes.
[1] Data on file. Bayer. [5] ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02173297 and NCT02173325.
- The new medication Kerendia, used to manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes, is a drug called finerenone and belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).
- Kerendia has demonstrated positive results in reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, heart-related deaths like stroke, heart attacks, and end-stage kidney disease in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes.
- Healthcare deciders should be aware that taking certain medications in combination with Kerendia may increase the risk of high potassium levels, with examples being Diflucan (fluconazole) and Verelan (verapamil).
- To ensure proper usage, discussing options with your doctor or pharmacist and introducing accommodations, such as large print or smartphone-readable labels for prescriptions, can help those with reading difficulties in managing their chronic-health-and-wellness conditions like chronic-kidney-disease and chronic-diseases related to diabetes.
