There is no cure for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), however there is a treatment option available in Canada that can help prevent cysts from enlarging and slow the decline of kidney function. JINARC (tolvaptan), a twice-daily oral medication, was approved by Health Canada in 2015 for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and can help slow the progression of kidney enlargement and kidney function decline. Alongside the availability of this treatment, researchers and nephrologists continue to strive towards finding additional treatment options for people living with PKD.
Currently, there is no intervention that will prevent the development of ADPKD in someone who inherits it. Those living with ADPKD can control blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors to try to delay the onset of renal failure. Additionally, those diagnosed should avoid medications that could possibly injure the kidneys.