Korsuva

Korsuva (difelikefalin) is a kappa opioid agonist. It's not exactly known how Korsuva (difelikefalin) 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 (difelikefalin) is not an opioid pain medication that works on the mu opioid receptor, like morphine (MS Contin, Kadian).

No, Korsuva (difelikefalin) 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 (difelikefalin) and its side effects.