View All: Treatments and therapies

Around 12 of those people die every day waiting for a kidney transplant. But hope is on the horizon. Scientists are testing pig kidney transplants in ...

When traditional transplants weren’t possible, these brave people chose xenotransplantation and helped shape the future of kidney care.

Here’s what every kidney transplant recipient and care partner should know about anti-rejection medications and how to advocate for better care.

Transportation is a barrier for many people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who depend on in-center hemodialysis. The EnROUTE Study shines a powe...

In 2025, the FDA approved several new medications for kidney disease that target specific causes of kidney damage and may help slow disease progressio...

If you have kidney disease and need dialysis, you might be wondering if home dialysis is right for you. This Home Dialysis FAQ answers the most common...

Maxine’s career spanned 70 countries, but nothing prepared her for life with kidney failure—and what came next.

Learn about kidney function, read patient experiences, and find resources for a fulfilling life on dialysis.

A Wichita radio host honors his late wife by sharing her journey with kidney disease, inspiring others to learn about early detection, dialysis, and l...

Discover how people on peritoneal and home hemodialysis live safely with pets. Get expert advice and simple steps to protect your health at home.

Sully was diagnosed with PUV before birth. Learn how his family faced kidney failure and got him a life-saving transplant.

Did you know that a medication for diabetes may also help protect your kidneys? GLP-1 medications, known for helping with weight loss, offer surprisin...

C3G is a rare kidney disease with new treatments emerging. Learn the signs, types, therapies, and how research is driving hope for patients.

A flawed equation delayed Crystal's kidney transplant after her kidneys failed during pregnancy. Now she shares her story to fight health dispari...

Learn about the risks and benefits of herbal supplements and how to choose safer options if you have kidney disease.

Potential signs an herbal supplement may be high in potassium include a label promoting “electrolyte support”, “high in minerals”, or “superfood green...

What is kidney xenotransplantation? Learn about this experimental field and what patients should know as research progresses.

This year, one of the most groundbreaking developments in kidney care is finally becoming reality: The FDA approved the first clinical trials for kidn...

If you form a kidney stone, it is important to work with your doctor, usually a “urologist”, to come up with a plan to monitor or get rid of your kidn...

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, pot, or weed, has been used for medicine, rituals, and even making rope for thousands of years. But today, more peo...

Patient voices matter. See how NKF’s KidneyCARE Study™ is changing kidney disease research by focusing on real-life experiences and long-term data

Discover how hospice care helps people with kidney failure manage pain and find peace without dialysis or transplant.

He saved his mom's life through a paired kidney exchange. A decade later, he honored her decision not to return to dialysis. Now he shares their ...

Learn how the NKF Innovation Fund is supporting groundbreaking kidney transplant technologies. 

Some medicines can damage your kidneys. Many more are removed by your kidneys. Read more to learn about using medications safely when living with CKD.

There can be a lot of challenges when doing home dialysis, but you can overcome them! Learn about common challenges and concerns, and how you can prep...

Before starting home dialysis, your training team will check your home, help set up your treatment space, arrange needed surgery, and provide informat...

A failed kidney transplant was a setback for Anthony, but it led to an unexpected discovery that changed everything. Read on to learn how he is living...

As a care partner, you can help in many ways, like setting up treatment space, managing side effects, and offering support. Everyone’s needs are diffe...

Learn about nutrition and home dialysis, including what nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need to eat or limit, and which foods have them. 

Learn about home dialysis, the different treatment types, the possible benefits and downsides of home dialysis, and how to decide if home dialysis is ...

You may need to make many changes to your daily schedule, or overall life once you start home dialysis. Learn what your day-to-day life may be like on...

Using pain medicines with kidney disease comes with risks. Read more to learn what your options are to treat your pain while maximizing your safety. 

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Discover how peritoneal dialysis works and its benefits. Learn from a patient and expert on how to start PD with confidence.

Learn how home hemodialysis works, its benefits, and common myths debunked by a home hemodialysis patient and expert.

Gout causes painful joint flares and may signal kidney disease. Learn symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies to control gout.

Avoid the complications of dialysis with a preemptive kidney transplant. Find out when to start your transplant evaluation and explore your options.

Statins help lower heart disease and stroke risk, even without high cholesterol. Discover how they benefit people living with kidney disease.

Catheter-related bloodstream Infection (CRBSI) can be serious. Causes, treatment and prevention are covered.

As the winter holidays approach, maintaining a healthy diet that fits your specific needs while on dialysis can become more challenging. NKF is here t...

Discover new 2025 policies that benefit kidney patients, including dental coverage, telehealth options, and caregiver training. Learn more about CMS’ ...

SGLT2 inhibitors are medicines that can help improve kidney and heart health for people living with CKD. They can also help people with type 2 diabete...

Diabetes medications that protect kidney health can be life-saving. Learn about their benefits, costs, and how to save on your prescriptions.

What do sneakers have to do with fighting kidney disease? For Randy Yim, they’re everything. 

Vaccines help protect people with CKD from serious complications from diseases. Learn about safety, effectiveness, and addressing concerns with your h...

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Learn about NKF's BuzzRx® Card to save on medications.

GLP-1 RAs help slow CKD and lower heart disease risk for people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity, but it’s important to weigh risks and benefits.

Diet is a key part of your hemodialysis treatment. You may need to limit fluids and change your intake of some foods and condiments.

Immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medicines), are medicines that keep kidney transplants from being attacked by the immune system.

Discover what the artificial kidney is, how it functions, and its current stage of development.

Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment for kidney failure that removes waste and extra fluids from the blood and regulates blood pressure.

Learn about financial changes post-transplant, including insurance updates, Medicare, Medicaid, and out-of-pocket costs. Essential info for managing e...

Learn what xenotransplantation is and what's new in the field. 

Palliative care offers support for CKD patients by managing pain, aiding communication with doctors, and helping cope with stress. 

Choosing a dialysis clinic involves evaluating location, distance, schedule, and quality of care to find the right facility for your needs.

The Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC) Star Program rates dialysis centers from 1 to 5 stars based on patient health to help compare local facilities.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs help protect your kidneys and heart. They lower blood pressure.

Find printable patient flyers related to kidney disease

Find printable patient brochures related to kidney disease

Non-steroidal MRAs (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) like finerenone help protect kidneys and lower cardiovascular risk. Learn about their uses...

Explore essential online resources about clinical trials, including information on phases, terminology, and participation from NIH and other organizat...

The dialysis care team includes nephrologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers, technicians, and more. Each plays a role in managing your care.

CRN Lead Article: Transitional Care Units in Dialysis Ann Pittaoulis, RD, LDN Despite continuous efforts to educate on CKD, many patients starti...

Depression affects many people on dialysis. Learn about symptoms, causes, coping strategies, and how to access support and treatment.

Mar 14, 2022 — Actress Sarah Hyland speaks candidly about her chronic kidney issues and the mental health impact of kidney disease.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Skipping dialysis can be risky. It can cause fluid overload, high potassium, and high phosphorus levels, leading to severe health problems. Always att...

Medicare now covers kidney transplant immunosuppressive drugs for life, starting January 1, 2023. Eligibility details and how to enroll.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Dialysis is a treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to do so effectively.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.

Choosing not to start or stop dialysis, known as conservative care, focuses on easing symptoms and improving comfort without aiming to cure the illnes...

There are 3 main types of dialysis: in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Learn the pros and cons of each treatment. 

Ultrafiltration is the process of removing fluid from the body during dialysis. It helps achieve target dry weight by removing excess fluid safely.

Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum, which can occur during peritoneal dialysis. Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever. Prompt treatment...

Proper care of your PD catheter is key to preventing infections and ensuring effective treatment. Follow cleaning and monitoring guidelines to maintai...

With the right mindset and care plan, dialysis can mean a longer, better life. Get tips for making the most of your dialysis journey today.

Learn about Sarah Hyland's kidney disease and transplant journey.

Self-cannulation for dialysis is your right and can offer greater control and convenience. It requires proper training and practice. Talk to your care...

Three days per week, Allen H. Nelson wakes up well before dawn and drives himself to a facility near his home in Gradyville, Pennsylvania for his regu...

Palliative care supports kidney patients by managing symptoms, easing emotional stress, and improving quality of life. It's available at any stag...

Groups in the United States and other countries are doing studies on different types of wearable kidneys.

Years ago, Shannon was prescribed Lithium to treat her bipolar disorder. Her doctors told her it could harm her kidneys, but after years of struggling...

 I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 22 months old. This came as a shock to my parents – we had no family history of kidney disease th...

  Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have crippled families and businesses in Florida and Houston and the surrounding areas. National Kidney Foundatio...

My name is Andrea Schmidt and I am a kidney transplant recipient.

In the fall of 2015, Alex Fox saw a Facebook post that would change his life. It was a picture of Darienne, a young girl with special needs whose mom,...

  Whether you’re totally off the grid or just past the last stop on the bus line, living in an out-of-the-way place can present extra challeng...

Dr. Adnan Abla is a neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh, PA, who was diagnosed with kidney failure last summer. He received a kidney from an anonymou...

  Travel – domestic and abroad – shouldn’t be a barrier to reconnecting with friends and family or enriching your life by visiting new countri...

From one mother’s mission to a 75-year legacy—learn how Ada DeBold’s fight for her son led to the creation of the National Kidney Foundation.

In 1996, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and was on chemotherapy for five years.  Following my treatment for cancer, I began to experience ...

Find out information about insurance options for kidney patients, dialysis treatment, and transplant.

When it comes to your care, you have many rights and options. Here are our Top 10 Tips for those on dialysis.

Participating in kidney disease clinical trials helps research new treatments. Find opportunities and ask your healthcare provider about local studies...

To join a clinical trial, you need to meet certain rules like age, gender, and health condition. You must understand the risks and benefits before you...

Clinical trials are regulated by the FDA and reviewed by independent experts to ensure safety. Each phase of the trial checks the treatment's saf...

A clinical trial tests new treatments for efficacy and safety. Led by doctors, these studies help find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat dise...

Here are 8 key things to know about supplements and kidney disease.

Managing medications as a teen with kidney disease can be challenging. Understand your meds, set a routine, stay organized, communicate with your heal...

BK virus is common and usually inactive in your body, but it can wake up after a transplant, especially with weakened immunity. It may affect the new ...

Fluid overload in dialysis patients occurs when too much water builds up in the body. It can cause swelling, high blood pressure, breathing problems, ...

Follow these tips to keep your heart healthy on dialysis: control blood sugar and blood pressure, maintain a heart-healthy diet, exercise, treat anemi...

Dry weight is your weight without extra fluid. It's important for dialysis patients to monitor this, as extra fluid can strain your heart and lun...

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly to filter blood when kidneys fail. Learn about the process, types, pros and cons, and payment option...

Procedures for removing large kidney stones through a small incision. Effective and less invasive than open surgery. Risks include infection and bleed...

Hemodialysis patients should be aware of infectious diseases, as kidney failure can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection. Learn...

Learn about diet changes for peritoneal dialysis, including managing protein, calories, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and vitamins to maintain balanc...

On hemodialysis, diet is crucial. You'll need to limit fluids and adjust your intake of certain foods. Your dietitian will guide you in balancing...

Nocturnal hemodialysis is a longer, gentler treatment done at night, allowing more daytime freedom. Benefits include better waste removal and less die...

Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. It treats kidney cancer or removes a healthy kidney for transplant. Recovery and risks vary by proced...

The buttonhole technique uses dull needles in the same spots on a fistula for less pain and fewer complications. Consult your healthcare provider for ...

Manage heart health on dialysis with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and medical treatments. Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood su...

Learn about metabolic syndrome after a kidney transplant, its risks, and effective lifestyle changes to manage and prevent this condition for better h...

Shock wave lithotripsy is a way to break up kidney stones without surgery. High-energy waves break the stones into tiny pieces that can pass in your u...

Being diagnosed with kidney failure can be overwhelming. Learn about treatment options and stay involved in your care decisions to help manage this ch...

Hemodialysis catheters help clean your blood when kidneys fail. Learn how to care for your catheter to prevent infections and keep blood flowing well.

Hemodialysis access is a way to reach the blood for dialysis. Types include fistula, graft, and catheter. Care includes hygiene and checking for probl...

Debunk common dialysis myths: pain, cost, travel, work, and patient control. Learn the facts to manage your treatment and stay informed.

If considering stopping dialysis, discuss it with your healthcare team and loved ones. Understand the medical and emotional implications before decidi...

Learn about dialysis, a treatment to remove extra fluid and waste when kidneys fail. Discover types, processes, and ways to manage dialysis effectivel...

Learn about kidney failure treatments: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant. Understand each option to make informed choices with ...

Taking prednisone? Learn how it works and key tips for safe use. Stay informed and manage your health confidently.

Pain relievers can harm kidneys if misused. Learn how to use common over-the-counter drugs safely.

This information will help you learn more about kidney health.