Learn how medications affect your kidneys.
Medicines and Kidney Health Hub
About Medicines and Kidney Health
Medicines and vaccines are often recommended for people with kidney disease. Learn more about their role and ways to manage and pay for them.
An overview of different programs available to help you pay for your medicines and lower your medication costs.
Recommended vaccines for adults with advanced chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or a kidney transplant.
Vaccines protect children from serious diseases by teaching the immune system how to recognize and fight harmful germs.
Medicines to Protect Your Kidneys and Heart
Some medicines help manage blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and/or protect your kidneys and heart over time.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs help protect your kidneys and heart. They also lower blood pressure.
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 diabetes manage their blood sugar.
Non-steroidal MRAs (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) like finerenone help protect your kidneys and lower your risk for heart disease if you also have type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 RAs help slow CKD, lower weight, and lower heart disease risk for people with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity.
Statins help lower heart disease and stroke risk, even without high cholesterol. Discover how they benefit people living with kidney disease.
Medicine Safety in Kidney Disease
Learn how to safely take medicine when you have kidney disease and which medicines may harm your kidneys.
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.
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.
Contrast dyes used in tests like MRIs and CT scans can harm kidneys, especially in people with kidney disease. Learn how to reduce your risk.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Supplements
Learn which vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements are safe or risky if you have kidney disease.
If you have kidney disease, you may need to take extra vitamins and minerals for your overall health. Read more about the latest recommendations.
People with kidney disease should be cautious with herbal supplements. Some can affect your kidneys or interact with your other medicines.
Medicines for Related Conditions and Complications
Some people with kidney disease often need medicine for other health conditions or complications. Learn more about how and when these medicines are used.
Immunosuppressants (anti-rejection medicines), are medicines that keep kidney transplants from being attacked by the immune system.
Immunosuppressants are medicines that protect your new kidney by preventing your immune system from attacking it. Download the flyer to learn more.
Iron is a common treatment option for anemia (low red blood cells). Read more to learn about your options and what to ask at your next appointment.