Difelikefalin Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 18, 2023.
Applies to difelikefalin: intravenous solution.
Serious side effects of Difelikefalin
Along with its needed effects, difelikefalin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking difelikefalin:
More common
- Dizziness
- falls
- trouble in walking
Less common
- Confusion
- irregular heartbeat
- mental depression or anxiety
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- nightmares or unusually vivid dreams
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- stomach pain
- trouble breathing
- weakness or heaviness of the legs
Other side effects of Difelikefalin
Some side effects of difelikefalin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Less common
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to difelikefalin: intravenous solution.
General
The most commonly reported adverse effects have included diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, back pain, gait disturbances, paresthesia, hyperkalemia, headache, vomiting, somnolence, and mental status change.[Ref]
Dermatologic
DRESS has been reported in only one individual case report, and its causal relationship is yet to be established.[Ref]
Postmarketing reports: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, somnolence, gait disturbances, paresthesia[Ref]
Gait disturbances includes preferred terms of falls and gait disturbances.
Paresthesia includes hypoesthesia, paresthesia oral and hypoesthesia oral.[Ref]
Psychiatric
Mental status change includes preferred terms of confusional state and mental status change.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Mental status change[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Muscle pain, back pain[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Fatigue[Ref]
More about difelikefalin
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: peripheral opioid receptor agonists
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Patient resources
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Professional resources
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References
1. Product Information. Korsuva (difelikefalin). Cara Therapeutics, Inc. 2021.
2. Product Information. Kapruvia (difelikefalin). Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma UK Ltd. 2023.
3. Product Information. Korsuva (difelikefalin). Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd. 2022.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
