Uses
This medication is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in people with long-term serious kidney disease (chronic kidney disease) on kidney dialysis. Vadadustat works by increasing a natural substance in your body (erythropoietin) that signals the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
How to use Vafseo 300 Mg Tablet Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking vadadustat and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Take this medication at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking phosphate binders (such as calcium acetate, sevelamer carbonate). If you are also taking products containing iron (such as iron supplements, ferric citrate, sucroferric oxyhydroxide), take this medication at least 1 hour before these products. These medications bind to vadadustat, making it work less well.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Diarrhea may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may control your blood pressure with medication.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures, symptoms of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as black/bloody stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, dizziness).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Warnings
Vadadustat may cause serious (sometimes fatal) problems from blood clots (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or legs). You may be at increased risk if you have a history of blood clots or heart/blood vessel disease. The lowest effective dose of this medication should be used. It is very important to keep all lab appointments since your doctor will need to carefully monitor your red blood cell count and hemoglobin level. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, or sudden vision changes.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking vadadustat, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use, cancer, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizure, smoking, stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, ulcers).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 2 days after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver function, blood pressure) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Blood tests for your iron levels will also be done and you may be prescribed iron supplements. Your doctor may recommend that you eat a well-balanced diet rich in iron sources (such as raisins, figs, meat, eggs, vegetables, iron-fortified cereals). Follow your doctor's instructions and dietary recommendations.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.