Why Is Kerendia So Hard to Find?

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Kerendia (Finerenone) for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes, you may have run into an unexpected problem: your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. You're not alone. Many patients across the country have reported difficulty filling their Kerendia prescriptions, and it can be incredibly frustrating — especially when you need this medication to protect your kidneys and heart.

In this article, we'll explain what Kerendia is, why it can be hard to find, and what steps you can take to get your prescription filled as quickly as possible.

What Is Kerendia?

Kerendia is the brand name for Finerenone, a prescription medication approved by the FDA in July 2021. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Kerendia works by blocking certain receptors in your body that, when overactivated, can cause inflammation and scarring in your kidneys and heart.

Kerendia is prescribed to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, heart attacks, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) linked to type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has also been approved for adults with heart failure who have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or greater.

It comes as a tablet in two strengths — 10 mg and 20 mg — and is taken once daily. For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Kerendia works.

Reason #1: Kerendia Is a Specialty Brand-Name Medication

Unlike common generic drugs that are stocked by nearly every pharmacy, Kerendia is a brand-name specialty medication manufactured exclusively by Bayer. There is currently no generic version of Finerenone available, and the patent isn't expected to expire until around 2029.

Because it's a single-source product, pharmacies must order it directly through specialty distributors. Many smaller or independent pharmacies may not keep it on their regular shelves because demand in their area may be low. Large chain pharmacies typically stock more commonly prescribed medications and may need to special-order Kerendia, which can take a few days.

Reason #2: High Cost Limits Pharmacy Stocking

Kerendia is an expensive medication. Without insurance, a 30-day supply can cost between $670 and $950 depending on the pharmacy. Because of this high price tag, many pharmacies are cautious about keeping large quantities on hand. They don't want to risk having expensive inventory sitting on the shelf if there isn't consistent local demand.

This is especially true for independent pharmacies operating on tight margins. For tips on reducing the cost, read our article on how to save money on Kerendia.

Reason #3: Insurance and Prior Authorization Delays

Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, do cover Kerendia — but they often require prior authorization before they'll approve it. This means your doctor has to submit extra paperwork to your insurance company proving that Kerendia is medically necessary for you.

This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During that time, you might visit your pharmacy expecting to pick up your medication only to learn that the authorization hasn't gone through yet. Some plans also require step therapy, meaning you may need to try other medications first before your insurance will cover Kerendia.

Reason #4: Growing Demand With Limited Awareness

As more clinical data supports the benefits of Kerendia for both kidney and heart protection, more doctors — particularly nephrologists, endocrinologists, and cardiologists — are prescribing it. However, many pharmacies haven't caught up to this growing demand. The result is a mismatch between how many patients need Kerendia and how many pharmacies actually stock it.

Additionally, because Kerendia was only approved in 2021, some pharmacists and pharmacy technicians may be less familiar with it compared to older MRAs like Spironolactone or Eplerenone. This can sometimes lead to confusion or delays at the pharmacy counter.

What You Can Do to Find Kerendia

The good news is that Kerendia is not in a formal drug shortage. The supply exists — it's just a matter of finding a pharmacy that has it or can get it quickly. Here are some steps you can take:

• Use Medfinder: Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that have Kerendia in stock near you. It's one of the fastest ways to locate availability in real time.
• Call ahead: Before driving to a pharmacy, call and ask if they have Kerendia in stock. If they don't, ask how long it would take to order it.
• Try specialty pharmacies: Specialty pharmacies are more likely to stock medications like Kerendia. Ask your doctor if they can send your prescription to a specialty pharmacy.
• Check independent pharmacies: Sometimes smaller, independent pharmacies have more flexibility in ordering specialty medications and may be able to get Kerendia faster than large chains.
• Ask about mail-order: Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy options that can deliver Kerendia directly to your door, often with lower copays for a 90-day supply.

For a complete guide on locating this medication, read our article on how to find Kerendia in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Finding Kerendia shouldn't be this difficult, but the reality of specialty medications in 2026 is that availability can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy. The important thing is not to give up or skip doses. Kerendia plays a critical role in protecting your kidneys and heart, and consistent use is key to getting the most benefit from it.

If you're struggling to find Kerendia, start with Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability, and work with your doctor to explore all your options — including insurance appeals, manufacturer savings programs, and alternative pharmacies.

You can also learn more about Kerendia in our comprehensive guide: What Is Kerendia? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.