MEDICINE CABINET

FINERENONE

Finerenone is a type of non steroidal potassium sparing diuretic that attenuates inflammation and fibrosis especially in heart and kidneys in Diabetes Mellitus.

It helps to get rid of excess water and salt accumulated in kidney disease and heart failure in Diabetic individuals in addition to attenuating inflammation and fibrosis.

Finerenone is indicated to reduce the risk of decline in kidney filtration, hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes in addition to standard care. It has similar efficacy as compared to spironolactone or epleronone but without anti androgenic side effects (gynecomastia etc).

Finerenone slows the progression of kidney disease and prevents cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and proteinuric chronic kidney disease.

Rx

Finerenone (10 mg) tablet is to be taken orally with or without food.

It is used to lower the risk of worsening kidney problems, heart attack, having to go to the hospital for heart failure, and death from heart disease in some people. ADA and KDIGO recommends use of Finerenone in those who are having proteinuria, kidney disease and at risk of heart failure in Type 2 Diabetes.

Side effects

Apart from rare allergic reactions, finerenone use might cause symptoms related to high blood potassium levels ( dizziness,fainting etc), low blood pressure, low sodium level. If you are taking a salt substitute ( salt other than iodised table salt) , you should inform your doctor.

Contraindications

Prior to initiating therapy, check your serum potassium =5 mEq/L; do not initiate therapy if serum potassium >5 mEq/L. It is contraindicated who are pregnant or wish to concieve in near future, breast feeding females and in case of high blood potassium levels. Finerenone should be used with caution in those who are on medications that can increase blood potassium or food rich in high potassium ( e.g. coconut water , banana etc)

Dr Sushil Chavan is a Consulting Nephrologist.