Vadadustat
Anemia
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Vadadustat
Summary
Vadadustat is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults who are on dialysis. It helps manage the symptoms of anemia but does not cure the condition.
Vadadustat works by inhibiting a factor in the body known as hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase. This leads to an increase in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells, thereby helping to manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
The usual daily dose for adults is 300 mg, taken orally once a day. It should be swallowed whole and not split, chewed, or crushed. It's important to take Vadadustat at the same time each day.
Common side effects of Vadadustat include hypertension, diarrhea, and headache. More serious adverse effects can include an increased risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
Vadadustat carries important warnings including an increased risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. It is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels and liver function is essential during treatment.
Indications and Purpose
How does Vadadustat work?
Vadadustat works by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase, which stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α). This leads to increased production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, helping to manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
Is Vadadustat effective?
Vadadustat has been shown to be effective in treating anemia due to chronic kidney disease in adults on dialysis. Clinical trials demonstrated that Vadadustat is non-inferior to darbepoetin alfa in maintaining hemoglobin levels within target ranges. It helps increase red blood cell production by stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factors, which in turn increases erythropoietin levels.
What is Vadadustat?
Vadadustat is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults on dialysis. It works by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase, which stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factors and increases erythropoietin production, leading to increased red blood cell production. This helps manage anemia but does not cure it.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Vadadustat?
Vadadustat is used to manage anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. It is typically taken long-term as it controls anemia but does not cure it. The duration of use will depend on the patient's condition and response to treatment, as determined by their healthcare provider.
How do I take Vadadustat?
Vadadustat should be taken orally once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day. It should be swallowed whole and not split, chewed, or crushed. Avoid taking it simultaneously with iron supplements or phosphate binders; take Vadadustat at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after these products.
How long does it take for Vadadustat to start working?
Vadadustat is expected to reach steady state by day 3 following once-daily dosing, with no significant accumulation. However, the time it takes to see a clinical improvement in anemia symptoms may vary based on individual response and should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Vadadustat?
Store Vadadustat in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. For disposal, use a medicine take-back program to ensure it is not consumed by pets, children, or others.
What is the usual dose of Vadadustat?
The usual daily dose for adults is 300 mg taken orally once a day. The dosage may be adjusted based on lab results, but it should not be increased more frequently than every 4 weeks. Vadadustat is not recommended for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Vadadustat with other prescription drugs?
Vadadustat's effectiveness can be reduced when taken with oral iron supplements, products containing iron, or phosphate binders. It should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after these products. Additionally, co-administration with OAT1/OAT3 inhibitors may increase Vadadustat's exposure, raising the risk of adverse reactions. Monitoring and dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Can Vadadustat be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Vadadustat is present in the milk of lactating rats, suggesting it may also be present in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, it is advised not to breastfeed during treatment with Vadadustat and for 2 days after the final dose. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Can Vadadustat be taken safely while pregnant?
There is insufficient data on the use of Vadadustat in pregnant women to determine a risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. Animal studies have shown reduced fetal weight at doses causing maternal toxicity. Vadadustat should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Vadadustat?
Drinking alcohol while taking Vadadustat can worsen its side effects. It is important to ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while on this medication. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and liver problems.
Is Vadadustat safe for the elderly?
Vadadustat has been studied in elderly patients, and no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between older and younger adults. However, elderly patients may have a higher risk of adverse reactions due to age-related health conditions. It is important for elderly patients to follow their doctor's instructions and report any unusual symptoms.
Who should avoid taking Vadadustat?
Vadadustat carries important warnings, including an increased risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. It is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and those with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Patients with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events should use Vadadustat with caution. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels and liver function is essential during treatment.
