Vadadustat
Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor that stimulates the body's natural production of erythropoietin to increase red blood cell production. It is indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adult patients.
Vadadustat is an oral anemia treatment for chronic kidney disease patients that works by boosting natural erythropoietin production through HIF pathway activation.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B03XA08
- RxNorm
- 2679296
- Generic
- Vadadustat
- Class
- atc-b03
- Brands
- Vafseo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of symptomatic anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including both dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis-dependent patients.
Reversibly inhibits HIF-prolyl-4-hydroxylases (PH1, PH2, PH3), leading to stabilization of HIF-1α and HIF-2α transcription factors, which increases endogenous erythropoietin production and stimulates red blood cell formation.
Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease due to potential increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Requires regular hemoglobin monitoring. May increase risk of vascular access thrombosis in dialysis patients. Not recommended in patients with active serious infections or known malignancies.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy