What it is used for
- Reducing urine protein in adults with primary IgA nephropathy at risk of rapid worsening
- Added to usual supportive kidney care, such as kidney-protecting blood pressure medicines
How it is used
- Take it only as prescribed by your kidney specialist, swallowing the tablet with water
- Women who could become pregnant need pregnancy tests before and during treatment as the doctor arranges
- Attend regular liver, blood and kidney tests
- Continue your other kidney medicines unless your doctor says otherwise
Possible side effects
- Swelling of the feet and ankles from fluid retention
- Anaemia
- Raised liver enzymes
- Headache or dizziness
Who should not use it
- Pregnancy
- Severe liver disease
- Allergy to atrasentan or any ingredient of the tablet
Before and while using it
- It can cause serious birth defects; use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after stopping set by your doctor
- Rapid weight gain, swelling or breathlessness can mean fluid retention; tell your doctor
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or abdominal pain can mean a liver problem
- It may reduce sperm count in men
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease
Medicine interactions
- Some medicines, such as ciclosporin and strong liver-enzyme inhibitors, can raise its level
- Liver-enzyme inducers such as rifampicin can reduce its effect
- Tell your doctor about all your medicines and herbal products
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It must not be used in pregnancy; tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant
- Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment
How to store it
- Keep the tablets in the original pack out of the reach of children
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.