HELP sudden 20 GFR drop 86 to 67

[pineappletea]

Hi Everyone,

Please offer some thoughts/guidance I am new at this.

I am a 25 y/o female, I suddenly got lab results that indicated a significant decrease in my GFR and have now been prescribed Farxiga. Last September, my GFR was 86, my doctor missed it and it was not until February that I got the medication prescribed.

Before taking the medication, I requested new labs to confirm any kidney issues since I am very healthy otherwise, I have a very healthy diet, do not have high blood pressure, I do not smoke or drink, I do not have diabetes or obesity, I do not have any family history of kidney disease and do not have any symptoms.

SADLY, my new test results showed a fast GFR decrease from 86 to 67 in 5 months. I don't think such quick drop is normal.

I have no idea where this is coming from, I am quite concerned. I am requesting a referral to a nephrologist and a kidney ultrasound asap.

- Do you all have any suggestions of additional steps I should take?

- Has anyone here taken Farxiga. what are your thoughts?

THANK YOU!!!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

First of all, one lab done not prove kidney failure. I am surprised you were prescribed Farxiga on one lab. There must have been other indicators such as UACR or protein in the urine or higher creatinine or BUN. GFR is a picture of the day of the lab. Granted, it is a significant difference, but I would wait to see if this is a trend.

My husband is on Farxiga. He was at GFR of 47, bounced up to 59 and now, two years later, it is back to 48. See how GFR bounces? However, the rest of his labs look pretty good, so I would say it is working. NO side effects.

[pineappletea in reply to Bassetmommer]

Hii, thank you SO MUCH for sharing! I was surprised too. There are no other indicators though, BUN has been 14 (range 7-25 mgdL) , urine creatinine 40 (range 20-275 mg/dlL. Creatinine serum was a bit high on the last lab at 1.6 but this was after the medication was already prescribed.

I do not think that is the right medication for me, I have been reading a lot about it and I also know it is not the first medication prescribed for any type of kidney disease, I am just a bit scared to wait more without treatment and then having serious kidney issues

[WinJ3]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds strange to me and surprised the doctor would prescribe Farxiga based on a single test. I would suggest you get a second opinion to find out what’s going on. Try finding a good Nephrologist.

[userotc]

Sadly many medics are too keen to prescribe drugs - as though it's their duty or power. Whilst my mum's GP is also keen to do this, her nephrologist is not and recently over-ruled the GP who wanted him to prescribe 2 drugs. He's clearly indicated to us that he is keenly aware of dangerous side effects so seems to consider them more of a last resort.

So you are right to get a referral and good luck with that (Note: her nephro has other faults eg unclear on key details, but at least he's not "drug-happy").

[PecanSandie]

You need to have another test. It's possible that this drop was caused by a temporary event (like letting yourself get dehydrated) which was a shock to your kidneys.

[Hidden]

How were some of your other lab results particularly RBC and Calcium?

[Mandyloubag]

have you had your thyroid function tested? Mine went very hypo and my kidney function dropped from 79 to 60 in 6 weeks. Thyroid now stable (took 2 months) and kidney function back up to 78. Nephrologist said they’re unrelated but there are loads of articles online stating the correlation and it’s the only explanation I can find.