User:Mr. Ibrahem/Difelikefalin

Difelikefalin, sold under the brand name Korsuva, is a medication used to in itchiness in those on hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease. It may be used in moderate to severe cases. It is given by injection into a vein at the end of dialysis.

Common side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, risk of falling, high potassium, headache, and sleepiness. It should not be used in people with significant liver problems. It is a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist which binds to specific nerve and immune cells to decrease itching and inflammation.

Difelikefalin was approved for medical use in the United States in 2021 and Europe in 2022. In the United Kingdom it costs the NHS about £420 per vial as of 2022. In the United States it costs about 2,000 USD per month.