Dosage Details for Kerendia

Kerendia (finerenone) is a prescription drug that’s used to reduce certain risks in adults who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes. The drug comes as an oral tablet. It’s usually taken once per day.

If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) that’s related to type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Kerendia as a treatment option. It’s used to reduce the following risks:

  • death related to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, such as stroke
  • continued worsening of kidney function, measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  • heart attack that does not lead to death
  • end-stage kidney disease
  • hospital admission for heart failure

The active ingredient in Kerendia is finerenone. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Kerendia belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs).

This article describes the dosages of Kerendia, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Kerendia, see this in-depth article.

Learn more about Kerendia’s dosage in this section.

What is Kerendia’s form?

Kerendia comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Just under half – 49% – of Americans get their health insurance through their employer, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Another 19% of Americans are insured under Medicaid, 14% under Medicare, seven% under non-group plans and two% under other public insurers, while nine% of U.S. citizens remain uninsured.

What strengths does Kerendia come in?

Kerendia comes in two strengths:

  • 10 milligrams (mg)
  • 20 mg

What are the usual dosages of Kerendia?

Your doctor will likely start you on a Kerendia dosage that’s based on your current health. Then they’ll adjust the amount over time to reach your target dosage.

Your dosage will depend on your kidney function, which is measured by your estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your doctor will also measure the level of potassium in your blood before you start taking Kerendia. If your potassium levels are too high, your doctor may recommend a different treatment for you.

The following chart highlights the basics of Kerendia’s dosage, measured in milligrams (mg). Be sure to read on for more detail.

Form Strengths Starting dosage Maximum dose
tablet • 10 mg
• 20 mg		 • 10 mg once per day or
• 20 mg once per day		 20 mg once per day

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for certain health problems related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) from type 2 diabetes

Kerendia is prescribed for people with CKD from type 2 diabetes to help lower the risk of the following:

  • death related to cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, such as stroke
  • continued worsening of kidney function, measured by estimated GFR
  • heart attack that does not lead to death
  • end-stage kidney disease
  • hospital admission for heart failure in those with CKD from type 2 diabetes
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Your dosage of Kerendia is based on your estimated GFR and usually ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg taken at a frequency of once per day. If your estimated GFR is below a certain level, your doctor will likely not prescribe Kerendia for you.

If you start on a dosage of 10 mg daily, your doctor will check your kidney function after a month. They’ll either keep your dosage the same or increase your dosage to 20 mg per day. The usual Kerendia maintenance dosage that doctors aim for is 20 mg daily. (See the “Dosage adjustments” section below for more information.)

Is Kerendia used long term?

Yes, Kerendia is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may increase or decrease your Kerendia dosage based on your kidney function and the level of potassium in your blood.

Your doctor may temporarily pause your dose if your blood potassium levels get too high. They’ll then likely start you back on the lower dose of 10 mg daily.

If you have very low liver function, your doctor will probably not prescribe Kerendia for you. They can recommend other treatment options for your condition.

The dosage of Kerendia you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
  • your kidney function (see “Dosage adjustments” just above)
  • your blood potassium levels (see “Dosage adjustments” just above)
  • other medications you may take

Below is information about the usual administration of Kerendia.

Kerendia comes as a tablet that you swallow. You can take it with or without food. If you have trouble taking tablets, you can also crush the Kerendia tablet and mix it with applesauce or water right before you swallow it. You can also check out this article for helpful tips on swallowing pills.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Kerendia, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print or use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Kerendia in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

If you miss your dose of Kerendia, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next one. Do not take a double dose. If you’re unsure of whether to take the missed dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.

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If you need help remembering to take your dose of Kerendia on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Kerendia than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

An overdose of Kerendia can cause a high level of potassium in your blood. Symptoms include:

  • trouble breathing
  • chest pain
  • irregular heartbeat
  • nausea and vomiting
  • weakness or fatigue (low energy)

What to do in case you take too much Kerendia

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Kerendia. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach out to America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Kerendia’s dosage.

Is Kerendia’s dosage calculated by weight?

No, Kerendia’s dosage is not calculated by weight. You’ll likely start with a dosage of 10 mg or 20 mg per day. Your dosage will depend on your kidney function and the level of potassium in your blood.

Is there a generic form of Kerendia?

No, Kerendia only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication, but it tends to cost less.

If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. You can also look on the manufacturer’s website for ways to save money on your Kerendia treatment.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Kerendia for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Kerendia without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Kerendia exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

  • How can I tell if my potassium level is high enough to affect my Kerendia dose?
  • Should my Kerendia dosage change if it’s not working well enough for me?
  • Should I start with a Kerendia dose of 10 mg or 20 mg?
  • Does my dosage of Kerendia need to change if I’m taking drugs or supplements that interact with the cytochrome P450 system, such as phenytoin or amiodarone?
  • Would a different dosage reduce my risk of side effects from Kerendia?

To learn more about Kerendia, see these articles:

  • Kerendia (finerenone)
  • Kerendia and Cost: What You Need to Know

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Austra Health’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

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Disclaimer: Austra Health has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Last medically reviewed on March 13, 2023

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