Finerenone is a tablet for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes and certain types of heart failure.
Finerenone is a prescription medication used to protect the kidneys and heart in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) linked to type 2 diabetes, as well as to treat symptomatic chronic heart failure. It belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), which help block specific hormones that cause inflammation and tissue scarring.
Finerenone is used for people with:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes (to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalisation for heart failure).
Chronic heart failure (to reduce cardiovascular death and urgent heart failure visits).
The usual finerenone dose depends on the patient’s kidney function (eGFR) and blood potassium levels:
Starting dose: Either 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, determined by a blood test.
Maximum dose: 20 mg once daily.
Note: Patients should not stop taking finerenone without medical advice, and the dose may be adjusted or temporarily paused based on regular blood test monitoring.
Finerenone side effects are usually manageable but require regular monitoring.
High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalaemia). This is common.
Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia).
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Decreased kidney function (temporary filtration changes).
As a non-steroidal MRA, finerenone selectively blocks the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR).
Overactivation of the MR causes inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) in the heart and kidneys.
By blocking these receptors, finerenone slows down the progression of kidney damage and reduces strain on the cardiovascular system.
Your doctor should monitor:
Potassium levels in the blood (checked before starting, at 4 weeks, and periodically thereafter).
Kidney function via eGFR (blood tests).
Blood pressure, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
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