Kerendia (Finerenone) is a prescription medication that protects the kidneys and heart by blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, reducing inflammation and scarring caused by chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

What Is Kerendia?

Kerendia is the brand name for Finerenone, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. It was first approved by the FDA in July 2021 for use in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes, and later received an additional approval for certain types of heart failure.

Unlike older MRAs such as Spironolactone and Eplerenone, Kerendia is non-steroidal. This means it doesn't cross-react with androgen or progesterone receptors, which translates to fewer hormonal side effects like gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) or menstrual irregularities. For a detailed comparison, see our article on how Kerendia works.

Kerendia is not a controlled substance.

What Is Kerendia Used For?

Kerendia has two FDA-approved indications:

1. Chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes: Kerendia reduces the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with CKD associated with type 2 diabetes.
2. Heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF): Kerendia reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or greater.

Some doctors may also use Kerendia off-label for conditions like primary aldosteronism, resistant hypertension, or as an add-on in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, though these are not FDA-approved uses.

How Is Kerendia Taken?

Kerendia comes as film-coated tablets in two strengths: 10 mg and 20 mg.

Dosing

• Starting dose: Based on your kidney function (eGFR):
  • eGFR 25 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² → Start at 10 mg once daily
  • eGFR 60 or above → Start at 20 mg once daily
• Target dose: 20 mg once daily
• Your serum potassium must be 4.8 mEq/L or below before starting

How to Take It

• Take once daily by mouth, with or without food
• Take at the same time each day
• If you can't swallow the tablet whole, it can be crushed and mixed with water or soft food like applesauce
• Don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first

Who Should Not Take Kerendia?

Kerendia is not right for everyone. You should not take Kerendia if you:

• Are taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin, Nefazodone, or Voriconazole (these are contraindicated with Kerendia)
• Have adrenal insufficiency
• Have a known allergy to Finerenone or any ingredient in the tablet
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant — Kerendia may cause harm to your baby
• Are breastfeeding — do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 day after your last dose

If you take other medications that raise potassium levels — like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium supplements, or NSAIDs — tell your doctor. They'll monitor you more closely. Read our full guide on Kerendia drug interactions.

How Much Does Kerendia Cost?

Kerendia is a brand-name medication with no generic available. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Cash price: $670 to $950 for a 30-day supply (30 tablets)
• With insurance: Typically covered on Tier 3 (preferred brand) or Tier 4 (non-preferred brand). Prior authorization is commonly required. Your copay will depend on your specific plan.
• Medicare Part D: Covered, but copay varies by plan. Medicare Extra Help may reduce cost to $10 or less per month.
• Manufacturer savings card: Bayer's Kerendia Savings Card can bring the copay to as low as $0 per month for commercially insured patients (not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare).
• Patient assistance: Bayer's Patient Assistance Program provides Kerendia at no cost for qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide to saving money on Kerendia.

No generic is available. Bayer's patent on Finerenone is expected to expire around 2029.

Side Effects at a Glance

The most common side effects include hyperkalemia (high potassium), low blood pressure, low sodium, and dizziness. Kerendia does not carry an FDA boxed warning. For the full breakdown, read our Kerendia side effects guide.

Final Thoughts

Kerendia is a newer, non-steroidal option for kidney and heart protection in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes, as well as certain types of heart failure. It's taken once daily, has a manageable side effect profile with proper monitoring, and has strong clinical trial evidence behind it.

If you and your doctor decide Kerendia is right for you, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has it in stock. And if cost is a concern, the savings programs available can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket.