Difelikefalin

Generic name: difelikefalin [ dye-FEL-i-KEF-a-lin ]
Brand name: Korsuva
Dosage form: intravenous solution (50 mcg/mL)
Drug class: Peripheral opioid receptor agonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 19, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is difelikefalin?

Difelikefalin is used in adults who are on dialysis to treat moderate to severe itching associated with kidney disease.

Difelikefalin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Difelikefalin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of difelikefalin may include:

• high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia);

• diarrhea, nausea;

• headache, drowsiness, confusion, changes in your mental state; or

• dizziness, falls, loss of coordination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• trouble with standing, walking or daily activities;

• changes in your mental state;

• if you are on peritoneal dialysis; or

• severe liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is difelikefalin given?

Difelikefalin is given at the end of each dialysis treatment.

A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Difelikefalin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:

0.5 mcg/kg IV at the end of each hemodialysis (HD) treatment

Comments:
-This drug should be administered by IV bolus injection into the venous line of the dialysis circuit at the end of each HD treatment. See administration advice for additional information.
-Dose is determined by the patient's target dry body weight.
-This drug has not been studied in patients on peritoneal dialysis and is therefore not recommended for use in this population.

Use: For the treatment of moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in adults undergoing HD

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving difelikefalin?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how difelikefalin will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect difelikefalin?

Using difelikefalin with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, allergies or seizures.

Other drugs may affect difelikefalin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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