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Uses

What is Kerendia used for?

Kerendia (finerenone) is commonly used for people who have kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. It is used in these people to lower the risk of worsening kidney problems, heart problems (including heart attacks), and going to the hospital for heart failure.

Learn more about Kerendia for Chronic Kidney Disease.

Kerendia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Kerendia work (mechanism of action)?

Kerendia blocks a receptor called the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which is found in your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. This receptor can be too active in diabetes, impacting kidney and heart health. By blocking MR, Kerendia helps your kidneys remove more sodium from your blood. It may also help reduce the build up of scar tissue (fibrosis) and inflammation in your heart and blood vessels. 

How is Kerendia supplied (dosage forms)?

Kerendia is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 10 mg oral tablets
  • 20 mg oral tablets

How should I store Kerendia?

Kerendia should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 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 healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Kerendia that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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.

High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Kerendia can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare 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

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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Kerendia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Kerendia.

  • Kerendia
  • Finerenone
  • 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 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.

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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work.

It is important to talk with your healthcare provider before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes. These can cause your potassium level to get too high, especially while taking Kerendia.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Kerendia?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Kerendia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kerendia could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare 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 healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you 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 manufacturer’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 cause a dangerous increase in the blood levels of Kerendia.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kerendia.

Does Kerendia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare 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 using 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

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Kerendia. Tell your healthcare 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 healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

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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