Difelikefalin injection

What is this medication?

DIFELIKEFALIN (dye fel i KEF a lin) is a medicine used to treat itching in people with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): KORSUVA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to difelikefalin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is injected into a vein. It is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your health care provider if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• alcohol
• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine
• certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• medicines that relax muscles for surgery
• narcotic medicines for pain or cough
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effects of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• confusion
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• high potassium levels (chest pain; fast, irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.