This event was recorded live on October 24, 2025.

Watch the Atlantic Canada Forum

Tolvaptan and ADPKD: What Patients Need to Know

Wondering if Tolvaptan (Jinarc) might be right for you or your loved one? This virtual forum features Dr. Avinash Rao Ullur, a nephrologist from Nova Scotia, who explains how tolvaptan works, who it's recommended for, and how to manage side effects, insurance access, and lifestyle changes. ADPKD patient partner Erika Williams also shares her lived experience with the medication.

📌 Topics include:

• Eligibility criteria and safety monitoring
• Side effects and hydration strategies
• Access and cost in Atlantic Canada
• Questions from real PKD patients

Watch the Atlantic Canada Forum

About the Presenters

Dr. Avinash Rao Ullur is an accomplished Nephrologist and Internist serving the Nova Scotia community, with extensive experience in general nephrology, onco-nephrology, kidney transplantation, and dialysis care. He is a recognized educator and recipient of the Specialist Preceptor of the Year Award (2025), actively mentoring residents at Dalhousie University.

With a strong academic and clinical background - including fellowship training at the University of Toronto and DrNB Nephrology certification from India - Dr. Rao combines technical expertise with patient-centered care.

He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences, and is actively engaged in community kidney health initiatives.

Dr. Rao emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care, lifelong learning, and mentorship, while leading efforts to improve nephrology services across inpatient, outpatient, and dialysis settings.

Erika Williams was diagnosed with ADPKD when she was 13 years old. She was on tolvaptan for 16 years, hemodialysis for 1.5 years, and recently, on May 17, 2025, she received a kidney transplant.

Erika is a strong supporter of the PKD Foundation of Canada and the Kidney Foundation of Canada. She received an award from the Kidney Foundation on Sept 18, 2025, for her lasting, dedicated involvement, and heartfelt commitment to the Kidney Community of Nova Scotia.

Erika is a strong advocate for remaining as healthy as possible, having the best quality of life possible, and staying mentally and physically fit while living with PKD.

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