Anyone here have a cat with kidney disease that has been prescribed Varenzin?

[hamsterjill]

One of my kiddos within my sanctuary was diagnosed with kidney disease and this drug is new to me. Just wondering if anyone here has any experience with it and it's effectiveness.

Thank you in advance.

[hlthe2b]

1. I know about it because a similar analog was tested in humans and it has caused a great deal of

excitement for the veterinary field (remains to be seen for humans). The excitement is because for the first time there is a drug that has shown great success in stimulating cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related anemia to produce erythropoietin (the body's natural hormone that, upon release, stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells). The anemia of CKD is the leading cause of death in these cats, whose bone marrow pretty much just shuts down and with it, frequently a loss of desire to eat, leading to pretty devastating weight loss (especially muscle mass). It doesn't reverse all anemia, but it increases the red blood cell volume pretty significantly.

As with most oral meds of any kind, vomiting was the main side effect in a few cats, but was manageable and otherwise apparently quite safe.

I don't know the cost, but it would certainly be less costly than the previous off-label meds veterinarians were forced to use to try to stimulate cat bone marrow and it has the benefit of being used by the owner at home.

Humans end up getting blood transfusions with similar chronic kidney disease and nonregenerative anemia when similar measures to stimulate their bone marrow fail--something that is only temporary and adds to the problem, so there are similar efforts and drugs to do what this will do in cats.

I think it is a really promising option for you. Good luck.

[hamsterjill]

2. Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide that information!!!

I understand that it's been available for cats since around 2023, but this is my first time with it. I'm a rescuer and I've pretty much been around the block with things. I'm glad to see a new addition to the arsenal.

But I'm not seeing much improvement in my cat, and I was hoping someone might know the time frame for it to be effective. I know you give it for 25 days, and then must wait at least 7 before another regimen. My cat is on day five and there hasn't been much improvement. My vet seems to think it would be a wonder drug and expected a quicker turn around.

I'm seeing small steps with this cat, but nothing miraculous yet. I'm hoping it's just taking some time with him.

[hlthe2b]

3. From Elanco's published data, most effect was seen at 56 and 84 days of study...

So, I think you will need to be more patient. Response at 25 days was not overwhelming.

[hamsterjill]

4. I hope so.

I am happy to be patient. Appreciate it!!