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Difelikefalin Injection

(dye fel" i kef' a lin)

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Difelikefalin injection is used to treat itching in people with chronic kidney disease who are on hemodialysis (medical treatment to remove waste from the blood when the kidneys are not working properly). Difelikefalin is in a class of medications called kappa opioid receptor agonists. It works by changing the way your nerves respond to itching.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Difelikefalin comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein). It is usually given at the end of each dialysis session by a healthcare provider.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before you receive difelikefalin injection,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to difelikefalin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in difelikefalin injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver problems.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving difelikefalin injection, call your doctor.
you should know that difelikefalin injection may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in any other possibly dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Difelikefalin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
nausea
dizziness
problems with walking
falling
headache
drowsiness
sudden changes in mental status
confusion

Difelikefalin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

dizziness
drowsiness
excessive tiredness
sudden changes in mental status
confusion
vomiting
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Name(s): Korsuva^®

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: August 15, 2022.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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