Do you have diabetes, that is, Type 2 Diabetes? The doctor may have told you that you also have some weakness in your kidneys. In such a case, the doctor may recommend that you use a medicine called Finerenone. So today, let's learn exactly about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Finerenone is a medication that helps prevent your kidneys from getting worse. When kidney disease occurs with diabetes, the risk of kidney damage increases over time. This medication reduces that risk.
Not only that, this medicine also does several other important things:
- Reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Reduces the need for hospitalization due to heart failure.
- This also helps reduce the risk of death from heart disease.
This medicine can be found on the market under the name Kerendia , but it may be available under other names.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about the following:
- If you eat a low-salt diet and use salt substitutes instead of salt in your food.
- If you have been previously told that your blood potassium level is high.
- If you have kidney disease (in addition to diabetes).
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have been diagnosed with adrenal gland dysfunction.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Finerenone or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not and at what dosage.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The only way to get the most out of a medicine is to use it correctly.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day . Make this a habit.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Swallow the tablet whole. If you have difficulty swallowing, crush the tablet and mix it with a little water or a soft food such as applesauce and take it right away .
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Very important: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
What if the medication dose increases?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Finerenone can interact with some other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products).
The two tables below clearly show this.
| Never use Finerenone with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Drug category | Examples |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Such as Atazanavir, Cobicistat, Ritonavir, Saquinavir. |
| Some medications for fungal infections | Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Voriconazole |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Telithromycin, Chloramphenicol |
| Other medications | Ceritinib, Idelalisib, Lonafarnib, Mifepristone, Nefazodone, Ribociclib, Tucatinib |
| Food | Jambola and jambola juice |
| Be especially careful when using Finerenone with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Some diuretics | Amiloride, Spironolactone, Triamterene |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | Enalapril, Candesartan, Lisinopril, Valsartan |
| Some medicines for fits | Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Potassium supplements | Any supplement that provides potassium to the body |
| Other | Amiodarone, Efavirenz, Erythromycin, Rifampin, St. John's wort |
These lists are not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Finerenone can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. |
|---|
|
| Symptoms that are common but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
|---|
|
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Other things to be careful about when taking medication
- Regular checkups: While taking this medicine, your doctor will check you at regular intervals. He or she will order blood tests, especially to check your kidney function and blood potassium levels. Be sure to get these tests done regularly.
- Salt substitutes: Unless your doctor specifically tells you to, avoid using salt substitutes, which are used in place of table salt. They can be high in potassium.
- Nursing mothers: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine or for 1 day after stopping the medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Finerenone is an important drug that protects the kidneys and heart of people with diabetes and kidney disease.
- Take this medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit completely while taking the medication.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeat, or extreme dizziness.
- It is very important to get blood tests done on time and follow medical advice.
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