For adults with chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D)
Let’s answer some questions you may have about KERENDIA and chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D). Remember, your doctor is always the best resource for questions about your treatment and whether KERENDIA is right for you. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for below, you can also give us a call at 1-888-KERENDIA (537-3634).
KERENDIA is a once-daily prescription medicine used to treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of:
The most common side effects of KERENDIA include:
Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes (CKD in T2D) is a progressive disease that affects the kidneys of adults with type 2 diabetes. CKD involves damage to the kidneys which can result in a gradual loss of kidney function over time. This damage can be permanent and may result in kidney failure. If the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required. Often, CKD doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until the later stages, so it’s possible to have CKD and not know it.
CKD in T2D can also lead to other serious health problems. For example, people with CKD in T2D are 3 times more likely to die from a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack, than people who have T2D alone. Learn more about CKD in T2D.
The disease is called chronic because the damage to your kidneys happens over a period of time, and because it’s a progressive disease, it means it gets worse over time. Chronic kidney disease does not go away and the damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed.
CKD causes damage to the kidneys and reduces their ability to do their job. This puts more stress on the heart. People with CKD have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications like heart attack. Learn more about the connection between your kidneys and cardiovascular risk and talk to your doctor about how KERENDIA may help.
Yes, it’s possible. Chronic kidney disease often doesn’t show symptoms until the later stages. One of the earliest indicators of CKD is protein in the urine, which happens when protein leaks into the urine through damaged filters in the kidneys. Doctors may refer to this as having “leaky kidneys.” If you have type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor about your risk for CKD and getting a UACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) urine test to detect protein in your urine.
CKD often does not show symptoms until later stages of the disease. By that time, symptoms are usually an indication of severe damage to the kidneys. Symptoms of later stage CKD can include the following:
For help starting a conversation with your doctor about your CKD in T2D and whether KERENDIA could be right for you, view our Doctor Discussion Guide.
The first step is talking to your doctor to see if KERENDIA is right for you.
Before starting on KERENDIA, you’ll have some blood work done to check the potassium levels in your blood and do an eGFR test to check your level of kidney function. This helps your doctor know what dose to prescribe.
After starting KERENDIA, your doctor will work with you to schedule your lab work, which includes checking your potassium levels, and adjust your dose as needed.
For more information about getting started with KERENDIA, view the Getting Started Guide.
It’s important to take KERENDIA as prescribed:
If you miss a dose of KERENDIA, take your prescribed dose as soon as you remember before the next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, salt substitutes, vitamins, and herbal or potassium supplements. KERENDIA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how KERENDIA works. Take KERENDIA as prescribed and do not start or stop any medicine before talking with your doctor, including your diabetes and high blood pressure medications.
Do not take KERENDIA if you take certain medications called CYP3A4 inhibitors. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you are taking any of these.
Your doctor is the best resource for any questions about your treatment plan. They will be able to tell you how long you should take KERENDIA. If you need to stop treatment with KERENDIA for any reason, always do so at the direction of your doctor.
If you experience any side effects, you should notify your doctor immediately. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. Additionally, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Do not stop taking KERENDIA without speaking with your doctor.
Store KERENDIA at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per month for KERENDIA.* Learn more about the KERENDIA Savings Card and available financial support programs here.
*Patients are eligible if they are commercially insured and may pay as little as $0 per month and save up to $3000 per year. Patients who are enrolled in any type of government insurance or reimbursement programs are not eligible. Full terms and conditions apply.
The National Kidney Foundation
Learn more about CKD in T2D and resources available to you.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CKD Risk Calculators
Check out these handy tools to calculate your risk of developing CKD, and the risk of progression to kidney failure if you already have CKD.
American Association of Kidney Patients
You’ll find lots of information, resources, and patient support here.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
If you want more detailed information about CKD and how to manage it, you’ll find it at this website.
Know Diabetes By Heart
Learn more about T2D and related resources available to you.
KERENDIA is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of:
Please see the Prescribing Information for KERENDIA.
