Kerendia provides relief to those with diabetes and kidney disease (CKD)

We know that people with diabetes are at risk for several other health problems, including kidney and heart problems. Although there are various medications to reduce this risk, many people with diabetes can develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time. If you have diabetes and CKD, you are more likely to develop serious health problems. However, a drug called Kerendia, approved in 2021, may help reduce these risks for some people.

How does Kerendia help people with diabetes and kidney disease?

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, high blood sugar levels over time can damage various organs in the body. In particular, this affects the kidneys in many people. The kidneys that are damaged in this way cannot function properly. This condition is called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) . Over time, this condition gradually worsens and can lead to kidney failure. High blood sugar levels also damage the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system). This increases the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Because the kidneys are not working properly, people with CKD are also more likely to develop heart disease. So, a person with diabetes, CKD, and heart disease together is at higher risk of death. By controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, you can limit the damage to your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. But while you're at it, there are medications that can help protect your kidneys from further damage. Kerendia is one such special medicine. Kerendia works in a slightly different way to prevent damage to your heart and kidneys. The active ingredient in this pill is finerenone . It works by blocking a receptor called the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. This MR receptor can be overactive in people with diabetes. By blocking this receptor, Kerendia helps your kidneys remove sodium (salt) from your blood. It also helps reduce inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) in your heart and blood vessels. When you take it for a long time, you can reduce your risk of serious health problems.

How should I use this medicine?

Kerendia is a tablet that can be taken once a day with or without food. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole, you can crush it and mix it with a little water or a soft food such as applesauce. However, you should take it immediately after mixing it. After you start taking Kerendia, your doctor will check your blood potassium levels regularly. Therefore, you should be sure to go for blood tests every day that your doctor tells you to. Depending on your blood potassium levels, your doctor may advise you to increase or decrease the dose of the medicine, or stop taking the medicine for a few days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But only if it is within the day of the missed dose. If you remember the next day, do not take the missed dose. Taking a double dose may increase the risk of side effects.

What tests have been done on this medicine?

Now you may be wondering how reliable this medicine is and who has used it. Let's look at the studies that have been done on it. Two major trials have been conducted to see how safe and effective Kerendia is in adults with diabetes and CKD. The average age of the participants in these trials was about 64 years.

Important information about those who participated in the test:

• All had type 2 diabetes and CKD .
• Although some had previously been diagnosed with heart disease , none had symptoms at the time of the test.
• Everyone was taking some medicine that was supposed to protect the kidneys .
• 97% used medication to control blood sugar .
• The Kerendia drug was compared to a placebo , a dummy pill that had no effect. No one knew whether they were getting the real drug or the dummy pill.

One of these trials measured how many serious kidney problems occurred while taking the drug. That is:

• People with very severe kidney disease.
• People with kidney failure.
• People who died due to kidney problems.

The other test measured how many serious cardiovascular events occurred. That is:

• People who have had a stroke or heart attack .
• People hospitalized due to heart disease.
• People who died due to heart problems.

What are the results of the tests?

Kidney problems: In the study, which lasted about 2.5 years, people who took Kerendia had fewer serious kidney problems than those who took a placebo. This means that some people were less likely to develop serious kidney problems, such as kidney failure, kidney failure, or death from kidney disease. Heart problems: In the study, which lasted about 3.5 years, people who took Kerendia also had fewer serious heart problems than those who took the placebo. This means that some people were less likely to develop serious heart problems, such as stroke, heart attack, hospitalization for heart disease, or death.

Side effects and how to manage them?

Like any medicine, Kerendia can cause some side effects. The main one is an increase in potassium levels in the blood. That's why your doctor will check your blood regularly. You may not feel much difference when using this medicine. This is because its main function is to slow down the rate of internal damage. Therefore, even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice. Kerendia, finerenone, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, CKD, heart disease, Sri Lanka