Protein in the urine (proteinuria) is a common and serious sign of kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Newer medications are helping slow kidney damage more effectively than ever before. One important newer treatment is finerenone.

Finerenone is a prescription medication that has been shown to reduce proteinuria, slow kidney disease progression, and lower the risk of heart problems in patients with chronic kidney disease related to diabetes.

What Is Finerenone?

Finerenone is a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (ns-MRA). It works differently from older medications in the same family by targeting inflammation and scarring in the kidneys and heart.

Unlike older medications, finerenone is designed to provide kidney and heart protection with a lower risk of certain side effects when used appropriately.

How Does Finerenone Help with Proteinuria?

Finerenone helps protect the kidneys by:

• Reducing protein leakage into the urine

• Decreasing inflammation in kidney tissue

• Slowing kidney scarring (fibrosis)

• Slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease

• Lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure

Lowering proteinuria is one of the most important goals in preserving long-term kidney function.

Who May Benefit from Finerenone?

Finerenone is commonly used in patients who:

• Have diabetes and chronic kidney disease

• Have persistent proteinuria despite ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy

• Are already on optimal RAAS blockade

• Are taking or eligible for SGLT2 inhibitors

• Are at high risk for cardiovascular disease

Your nephrologist will determine if finerenone is appropriate based on your kidney function and potassium levels.

Important Safety and Monitoring

Because finerenone affects hormone pathways involved in salt and potassium balance, careful monitoring is required. Your nephrologist will regularly check:

• Kidney function (eGFR, creatinine)

• Potassium levels

• Blood pressure

• Urine protein levels

This ensures the medication is working safely and effectively.

Finerenone as Part of a Comprehensive Kidney Protection Plan

Finerenone is usually used in addition to, not instead of, other proven kidney-protective therapies, including:

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs (RAAS blockade)

• SGLT2 inhibitors

• Blood pressure control

• Blood sugar control

• Lifestyle and dietary management

Using these treatments together provides the strongest protection for your kidneys and heart.

Why See a Nephrologist for Proteinuria?

Proteinuria is a warning sign of ongoing kidney damage. Early evaluation and close follow-up by a nephrologist can:

• Identify the cause of proteinuria

• Slow kidney disease progression

• Reduce complications

• Lower the risk of dialysis

• Improve long-term outcomes

Expert Kidney Care at Kingwood Kidney Associates

At Kingwood Kidney Associates, patients receive comprehensive care for proteinuria and chronic kidney disease using the latest evidence-based treatments.

Dr. Sowmya Puthalapattu provides expert nephrology care, including evaluation for newer therapies like finerenone, to help:

• Reduce proteinuria

• Protect kidney function

• Lower cardiovascular risk

• Delay or prevent kidney failure

If you have protein in your urine or chronic kidney disease, early consultation with a nephrologist can make a major difference.

Schedule a Nephrology Evaluation

If you or a loved one has proteinuria or chronic kidney disease, consider scheduling an appointment at Kingwood Kidney Associates with Dr. Sowmya Puthalapattu for expert kidney evaluation and personalized treatment.