Vadadustat is an oral medicine used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease. It works by helping your body to produce more of its own red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Vadadustat can help reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions and improve quality of life. It is taken once daily and is available in tablet form.
Vadadustat is a medication used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on dialysis. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
How it works: Unlike some other medications for anemia, vadadustat doesn't directly replace erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Instead, it works by inhibiting an enzyme called hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH). This enzyme normally regulates the body's natural production of EPO in response to low oxygen levels. By inhibiting HIF-PH, vadadustat essentially tricks the body into thinking there's low oxygen, which in turn stimulates the production of EPO and subsequently red blood cells.
What it treats: Vadadustat is specifically indicated for symptomatic anemia, which means that the lack of red blood cells causes noticeable symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. It's important to note that vadadustat is only approved for adults with CKD who require chronic dialysis treatment.
Dosage and administration: Vadadustat comes as tablets taken by mouth, with the specific dosage determined by your doctor based on your individual needs and blood test results.
Side effects: Like most medications, vadadustat can cause side effects. Some potential side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Joint pain
It's important to discuss any potential side effects with your doctor and report any you experience during treatment.