Jynarque (Tolvaptan) provides relief for ADPKD, a kidney disease that causes cysts to form in the kidneys

Has your doctor ever told you or someone in your family that you have a condition that causes fluid-filled cysts to form in your kidneys? This is medically known as 'Autosomal Dominant Polycystic kidney disease ', or ADPKD for short. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this, because over time, this can lead to kidney failure. But don't worry. There are treatments that can slow the course of this disease and help protect your kidneys. Today we're talking about Jynarque , the only drug approved for this condition.

How does this drug Jynarque help ADPKD patients?

Simply put, ADPKD is a genetic disease that is passed down from generation to generation . This is a condition in which many fluid-filled cysts (cysts) form in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts grow, changing the shape of the kidneys and becoming much larger than normal. Eventually, the kidneys are no longer able to do their job of filtering blood properly. Most often, these symptoms do not appear in young people, but between the ages of 30 and 50. A common symptom is high blood pressure . Pain in the kidneys can also occur. This can be caused by infections in the kidneys or urinary tract, ruptured cysts, or kidney stones. Almost everyone with ADPKD eventually develops chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is a condition that gradually worsens. Let's see what its stages are. The main goal of ADPKD treatment is to slow down the damage to the kidneys as much as possible. One way to do this is to control your high blood pressure. Another is to drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit your caffeine intake (tea, coffee). In addition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as exercising, reducing salt in your diet, and quitting smoking.

Isn't this medicine suitable for everyone?

Yes, Jynarque is not suitable for all patients. It is important to tell your doctor about all your past and current medical conditions , especially:

• If you have any liver problems.
• If you have low or high sodium levels in your blood.
• If you have any difficulty urinating (e.g. kidney stones , urinary tract obstruction).
• If you don't feel thirsty or have difficulty drinking water throughout the day.

Talking to your doctor about things like this is very important for your safety.

How to use the medicine?

Jynarque is a pill that is taken twice a day. It can be taken before or after meals. The timing of taking this is very important. When you start taking the medication, your doctor will give you a low dose. If you don't have any major problems for 1-2 weeks, they will increase the dose a little. After that, if you still don't have any problems, you can increase the dose again. If you miss a dose, don't take it. Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. It's important to follow the schedule exactly, as soon as you wake up in the morning and 8 hours later. It's a good idea to set an alarm on your phone to remember the second dose.

What do the tests say about the success of this medicine?

Two large studies have been conducted to examine the safety and efficacy of the drug Jynarque.

Early stage CKD patients (stage 1 or 2)

In this study, the rate of kidney enlargement in those who took Jynarque was significantly reduced compared to those who took placebo. To be precise, the rate of kidney enlargement in those who took Jynarque was reduced by about 49% compared to those who took placebo. This means that the damage to the kidneys was significantly controlled. In addition, those who took Jynarque also experienced less kidney-related pain.

Late-stage CKD patients (stage 3 or 4)

In this group of patients, the rate of deterioration of kidney function in those who took Jynarque was slightly slower than in others. This means that this drug may help preserve the function of their kidneys for a while longer, even in those whose disease has become severe.

Side effects and how to manage them?

There are possible side effects when using Jynarque, and it is important to be aware of them.

• Frequent urination: This is the most common side effect. This can cause you to need to go to the toilet more often, both during the day and at night. To reduce discomfort at night, take the second dose at the same time, not later in the evening.
• Dehydration: There is a risk of dehydration because the body loses too much fluid. To prevent this, drink plenty of water throughout the day, without waiting until you feel thirsty . Drink water immediately when you feel thirsty. Dehydration can cause high sodium levels in the blood. If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness , extreme fatigue, fainting, or an irregular heartbeat , inform your doctor immediately.

Not only these, but other side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that bother you.

Can there be problems with other medications or foods?

Yes, this is also a very important matter.

• Other medications: Jynarque may interact with some other medications. Some medications may increase the side effects of Jynarque, while others may decrease the effectiveness of Jynarque. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
• Food: Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Grapefruit increases the level of Jynarque in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. This effect can occur even if you eat grapefruit at any other time of day, not when taking the medication, so avoid grapefruit altogether.

Is there a special method to obtain this medicine?

Jynarque is a drug that has a very rare potential to cause liver damage. Because of this risk, this drug is only available under a special program called the REMS Program . You must enroll in this program before you start taking the drug. You will also need to have blood tests to check your liver function. You will need to continue to have these blood tests at regular intervals after you start taking the drug. It is essential that you continue to take these tests if you want to continue taking the drug. Your doctor will explain more about this. Jynarque, Tolvaptan, ADPKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Kidney disease, Kidney cysts, CKD, Kidney failure, Chronic kidney disease, Jambola