What is Durvalumab? Durvalumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody directed against the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein. Signals from PD-L1 help tumours avoid detection by the immune system. Durvalumab blocks these signals, countering the tumourâs immune-evading tactics. The antibody belongs to an emerging class of immunotherapies commonly referred to as checkpoint inhibitors, because they remove checks the body places on immune activation.
(At the same time, it also causes the kidneys to eliminate potassium.) The body then becomes overloaded with salt and water, and this worsens the heart failure. Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone thereby causing the kidneys to excrete salt and fluid in the urine while retaining potassium. Therefore, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, a drug that promotes the output of urine (diuretic) while allowing the kidneys to retain potassium. The FDA approved spironolactone in October 1985.
Question: What effects does spironolactone have on my blood potassium and should I be monitored while on it? Answer: Because spironolactone is commonly used in heart failure treatment, its effects on your kidneys are really important. It turns out that spironolactone causes the kidney to retain or hang on to potassium. And it can increase the blood potassium level, and in some patients actually quite significantly, and even in a few to dangerous levels. So with a new addition of spironolactone to your medical regimen, the blood potassium level should be monitored. Initially the first few days after starting it, and then every couple of weeks for probably a month or two to make sure that your blood potassium levels are okay and are not too elevated.