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People who have nephrotic syndrome need to see a doctor regularly to have their kidney function checked. Children usually need to see a doctor more often than adults do.

Take all of your medicines, even after you begin to feel better. If you have side effects, contact your doctor before stopping a medicine.

If you are taking medicines for another health problem, you may need blood testing to see if you are getting the correct amount of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines that you are taking.

You may help reduce symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and prevent other health problems by:

• Reducing the amount of salt you use, which can reduce the amount of water your body retains.
• Choosing foods low in fat, which can reduce the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
• Following your doctor's advice for the amount of protein you need in your diet.
• Weighing yourself each day to check for an increase in your weight, which may be a sign that you are retaining fluid. Call your doctor if you notice you are gaining weight or if you develop other problems, such as difficulty breathing.
• Practicing good skin care to prevent additional skin problems, such as skin infections.

Medications

Nephrotic syndrome is usually successfully treated with a combination of medicines.

Medication choices

Medicines to treat nephrotic syndrome include:

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or prednisolone, to reduce swelling.
• Diuretics, such as bumetanide or furosemide, to help maintain fluid balance.
• Cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mofetil, when treatment with corticosteroids is not successful.
• Albumin, to restore blood volume.

Most children are successfully treated with corticosteroids, though relapses are common.¹

Clinical trials are ongoing to test more effective medicines for the treatment of steroid-resistant (relapsing) nephrotic syndrome. If treatment has not successfully controlled your nephrotic syndrome, ask your doctor about information on clinical trials. To take part in a clinical trial, you may need to travel to a large treatment center.

What to think about

Most children who have nephrotic syndrome do well with treatment and have a normal life expectancy.