Great question — and the good news is there are several treatment options available. IgAN is managed rather than cured, so the goal is to slow down kidney damage and keep things as stable as possible.
Here's a general overview of the main treatment approaches:
- Blood pressure medications – ACE inhibitors (like Show Full Answer
Great question — and the good news is there are several treatment options available. IgAN is managed rather than cured, so the goal is to slow down kidney damage and keep things as stable as possible.
Here's a general overview of the main treatment approaches:
- Blood pressure medications – ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) or ARBs (like losartan) are often the first line of treatment. They help protect the kidneys by relaxing blood vessels and reducing protein leakage into urine.
- Steroids – These help reduce inflammation in the kidneys. They can be given in large periodic doses or as a steady lower dose. A newer targeted steroid option focuses specifically on IgAN-related inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants – Medications like cyclophosphamide help control the immune system. A newer drug called iptacopan (Fabhalta) was FDA-approved in 2024 to help reduce protein in urine for adults at risk of progression.
- Diuretics – Help the body shed excess fluid, which also supports blood pressure control.
- Statins – May be prescribed to manage cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes also play an important supporting role:
- Reducing sodium and saturated fat in your diet
- Staying physically active
- Quitting smoking if applicable
- Maintaining a healthy weight
It's worth knowing that treatment is not one-size-fits-all. What works well for one person may not work as well for another, so finding the right plan can take some time and adjustment with your nephrologist.
In more advanced cases where kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant may become necessary — but staying on top of your treatment plan can help delay or prevent reaching that point.
August 31
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