New drug suggestion

[Coasties]

I am a 67 year old woman and have CKD inherited from my dad. I have been on Atorvastatin 10mg and Candesarten 8mg for 6 years (despite having normal cholesterol and blood pressure) because I have Proteinuria (currently 92.5mg/mmol). Even though my GFR is 66, the specialist has suggested that given the rising proteinuria number, to go on a drug called Daplagliflozen 10mg. Has anyone had a good result from this drug?

[bumblebee_tuna]

That type of drug (sglt2) is now standard of care and has been shown to be protective. I would personally take it.

[Coasties in reply to bumblebee_tuna]

Ok thanks

[Blackknight1989]

do a google search, the benefits of these drugs originally designed as supplemental diabetic treatments have nearly curative or certainly the power to stop CKD progression of the disease and may have some regenerative benefits as well no matter the underlying causes of CKD…originally designed to help with the CKD effects of diabetes but since proven to help despite the underlying cause/causes of CKD…they can certainly stop progression and while still inconclusive may have additional beneficial effects but they do stop the numbers from worsening and help with overall function…despite the cause and are effective in most CKD cases.

[Coasties in reply to Blackknight1989]

Thanks, that’s good to know

[jodaer]

I've not used that drug but do use Jardiance, i believe that's a similar drug. It has worked wonders on my proteinuria.

[Coasties in reply to jodaer]

Good to know🙂

[oceansplash in reply to jodaer]

How much did it lower your proteinuria?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

That drug is commonly known as Farxiga. It has worked wonders for my husband. He has been on it for two years. He does have diabetes. Both have improved. He went from almost stage 4 to almost stage2. The Nephrologist has cut him down to seeing her only twice a year because he is doing so well. He now has NO protein in his lab work. No side effects either.

[oceansplash in reply to Bassetmommer]

Could you tell me how much it lowered the protein in urine? I was prescribed but it's expensive so I haven't started it yet.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to oceansplash]

He has none....no protein, that's how low. And we use their patient assistance program which is very easy to obtain. WE use these programs as much as we can. azpatientsupport.com/

[Badger2024]

I’ve never heard of taking statins for CKD. Given you have a normal cholesterol level, I’m wondering why you’re on them? Just curious. Not suggesting that you shouldn’t be taking them. Does anyone know?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Badger2024]

Years ago, they wanted me on a statin. I tried it for four months, and it was awful. I took myself off of them. AND my cholesterol, which was not an issue in the first place went way down just with diet. Doctors are prescribing it as a prevention med for CAD, heart issues and more. I am not a drug lover, so I would always prefer natural.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Badger2024]

I have the proteinuria and was put on low protein diet , and also prescribed Zetia (Ezetimibe) a non statin. It has worked. I have gotten used to the diet.

[Coasties in reply to orangecity41]

What is it that you eat? You must have some protein?

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Coasties]

My diet limits me to 65 grams of protein per day. I eat normal protein food but in small amounts.

[Blackknight1989]

Certainly not a front line defense as SGLT2’s (Farxia et all) are easier on the body, not nephro-toxic as statins are and generally contraindicated in CKD diagnosed patients unless a confirmed diagnosis of CVD issues are present….apparently the benefits of lessening the risk of a “significant CVD event” outweigh the potential nephro-toxicity of the drug…

Link:

kidneyfund.org/treatments/m...

[Coasties in reply to Blackknight1989]

Thanks for sharing that article re statin use in CKD. Very interesting. Yes the specialist has said as kidney and heart disease often go together, the statins are precautionary. I am reluctant to take them but am doing as I was advised. I’ve already cut back the dose. Perhaps I will cut back even further especially if I start the Farixiga. Thx for the excellent advice on this drug.

[Chucka]

I have been taking Farxiga for a couple years now. It did lower the protein leakage and my eGFR has stabilized at stage 4 at least for now. It was approved by the FDA to help slow the progression of kidney damage. It seems like a good thing to try.

As for taking a statin, it can be protective since cardiovascular issues tend to go hand in hand with kidney disease. There are a handful of different types of statin drugs. They aren’t all the same. I didn’t do well on atorvastatin and switched to rosuvastatin (Crestor). The statin side effects went away. You might want to try some different statins before giving up on them.