We know how challenging it is to live with kidney disease. Among them, especially for those who undergo hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease, the biggest and most annoying problem is this itching. Sometimes this itching is there all day long, you can't sleep at night, and you scratch until your body is covered in it. This can be a life-threatening condition. So, today we are talking about a relatively new injection used to treat this unbearable itching. The name of this drug is Difelikefalin (Die-feli-kefa-lin). It is available on the market under the name Korsuva .
What is this vaccine called Difelikefalin?
Simply put, this is a special injection that is given to control moderate-to-severe pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis due to long-term kidney disease. This is not a medicine for normal itching. It works a little more complicated. There are certain neural pathways in our body that cause itching. What this injection does is target those neural pathways and control the itch sensation going to the brain. So it's not like the medicine you give for regular allergies, it works differently.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, you should definitely discuss these things with your doctor. Don't hide anything, because it's very important for your safety.
- If you have other illnesses: Especially if you have any liver disease , you should definitely mention it.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, not just to this Difelikefalin vaccine, but also to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant , be sure to tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child , you should also inform your doctor about this.
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home and try on your own.
This vaccine is given only in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional. It is also given as an intravenous injection.
Most of the time, you will be given this injection at the end of your dialysis session. So you do not need to come to the hospital separately. It is very important to attend your dialysis appointments on time. If for some reason you cannot come, let the hospital or clinic know in advance.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, you should immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
When taking the Difelikefalin vaccine, its effects may change with some other medications and things you are using. In particular, the drowsiness and dizziness that this vaccine can cause may be increased with some medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are using, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements .
The table below lists some things to pay particular attention to.
| Substance/drug type | Description and things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol can greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely during treatment. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Medications like piritan can also make you sleepy. Taking them with this vaccine can make the sleepiness unbearable. |
| Sedatives and sleeping pills | Medications for anxiety or insomnia can also cause drowsiness. Using these together can significantly reduce alertness. |
| Some medications for depression | Tell your doctor if you are taking medications such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, or sertraline. |
| Medicines for seizures | Also inform the doctor if you are taking medications such as Phenobarbital. |
| Anesthetics and muscle relaxants for surgery | If you are scheduled to have surgery, be sure to inform the anesthesiologist that you are taking Difelikefalin. |
| Narcotics (medicines for severe pain or cough) | If you take painkillers like tramadol and morphine, they also increase drowsiness. |
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them. However, it is important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| Severe dizziness or loss of consciousness | Feeling so dizzy that you can't stand, your eyes turning blue, and you lose consciousness and fall. |
| Confusion | Sudden loss of concentration, forgetting where you are, slurring your words, etc. |
| High potassium levels in the blood | Chest pain, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness / Dizziness | This is a common side effect, which is why it is advised to avoid driving. |
| Diarrhea | A feeling of bloating may occur. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Nausea | You may feel like vomiting. |
| Tiredness | The body may feel tired and exhausted. |
Take-Home Message
- Difelikefalin (Korsuva) is a special injection given to treat severe itching in kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis. This is not a common medication given to everyone.
- Before starting this treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- This vaccine may cause drowsiness and dizziness . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until the effects of the medicine wear off.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness, inform your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not miss your dialysis and vaccination dates. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please inform the relevant department in advance.
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