What are possible side effects of Korsuva (difelikefalin)?

The most common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, [abnormal walking (also called gait disturbances)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560610/), headache, sleepiness, and changes in mental status (e.g., confusion). Because of these potential side effects, you're recommended to not drive, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Also, let your provider know if you're taking other medications that can worsen these side effects, such as [opioid pain medications](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/opioids), [benzodiazepines](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/benzodiazepines), or [first-generation antihistamines](http://samples.jbpub.com/9781284110401/Chapter_1.pdf), like [diphenhydramine (Benadryl)](https://www.goodrx.com/diphenhydramine/what-is). Additionally, these side effects can raise your risk for falls. Make sure to get up slowly from sitting or lying down and hold onto something while you get up. Talk with your provider if you've other questions about Korsuva (difelikefalin) and its side effects.

Korsuva

Q: What is Korsuva (difelikefalin) used for?

Korsuva (difelikefalin) is used for the treatment of [itching associated with long-term kidney problems](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/chronic-kidney-disease-associated-pruritus-itchy-skin) in adults receiving [hemodialysis](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hemodialysis). Korsuva (difelikefalin) shouldn't be used in people receiving [peritoneal dialysis](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/peritoneal) because it hasn't been studied.

Q: How does Korsuva (difelikefalin) work?

Korsuva (difelikefalin) is a kappa opioid agonist. It's not exactly known how Korsuva (difelikefalin) treats itching, but it's thought to [work](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/8/934/pdf) by binding (attaching) to kappa opioid receptors throughout your body to prevent itching signals to your brain. Korsuva (difelikefalin) is __not__ an opioid pain medication that works on the mu opioid receptor, like [morphine (MS Contin, Kadian)](https://www.goodrx.com/morphine/what-is).

Q: Can Korsuva (difelikefalin) cause addiction?

No, Korsuva (difelikefalin) isn't a [controlled substance](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/what-are-controlled-substances) and doesn't have a risk of addiction, abuse, or misuse like [opioid pain medications](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/opioids) do because it works on a completely different type of opioid receptor.

difelikefalin

Used for Itching, Kidney Disease

Korsuva (difelikefalin) is a newer injectable medication for the treatment of itching associated with long-term kidney problems in adults receiving hemodialysis. It works on a different type of opioid receptor than opioid pain medications, so Korsuva (difelikefalin) doesn't have a risk of addiction, abuse, or misuse. However, it can cause dizziness, confusion, and falls.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 8, 2022

What is Korsuva (difelikefalin)?

What is Korsuva (difelikefalin) used for?

Moderate to severe itching associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people on hemodialysis

Drug facts

Common Brands	Korsuva
Drug Class	Opioid agonist
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Korsuva

Drug Class

Opioid agonist

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Korsuva

Korsuva is used for the treatment of itching associated with long-term kidney problems in adults receiving hemodialysis. Korsuva shouldn't be used in people receiving peritoneal dialysis because it hasn't been studied.

Korsuva is a kappa opioid agonist. It's not exactly known how Korsuva treats itching, but it's thought to work by binding (attaching) to kappa opioid receptors throughout your body to prevent itching signals to your brain. Korsuva is not an opioid pain medication that works on the mu opioid receptor, like morphine (MS Contin, Kadian).

No, Korsuva isn't a controlled substance and doesn't have a risk of addiction, abuse, or misuse like opioid pain medications do because it works on a completely different type of opioid receptor.

The typical dose is 0.5 mcg/kg of body weight given as a quick injection into the veins (intravenous or IV) through the dialysis line at the end of each dialysis session. It's given by a trained healthcare provider.

The most common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, abnormal walking (also called gait disturbances), headache, sleepiness, and changes in mental status (e.g., confusion). Because of these potential side effects, you're recommended to not drive, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Also, let your provider know if you're taking other medications that can worsen these side effects, such as opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines, or first-generation antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Additionally, these side effects can raise your risk for falls. Make sure to get up slowly from sitting or lying down and hold onto something while you get up. Talk with your provider if you've other questions about Korsuva and its side effects.