difelikefalin acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Peripherally acting selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist
Licensed use
Moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated itch in adults on haemodialysis
Administration
Intravenous injection into the dialysis circuit
Treatment setting
Given by an experienced healthcare professional during in-centre haemodialysis
Driving
Drowsiness or dizziness may impair driving and machinery use
What is difelikefalin acetate used for?
It is licensed for:
Moderate-to-severe itching associated with chronic kidney disease in adults receiving haemodialysis.
How does difelikefalin acetate work?
It activates kappa-opioid receptors on peripheral sensory nerves and immune cells. This reduces itch signalling and may influence inflammation, while penetration into the central nervous system is limited.
How to take difelikefalin acetate
It is not taken by mouth. A healthcare professional injects it into the venous line of the dialysis circuit.
It is restricted to in-centre haemodialysis use.
The solution must not be diluted or mixed with another medicine.
Each vial is for single use; unused solution is discarded.
difelikefalin acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness
- Tingling, prickling, burning, numbness or reduced skin sensation
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden or marked confusion or another significant change in mental state
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness causing reduced responsiveness, collapse or a serious fall
difelikefalin acetate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. As a precaution, the product information advises avoiding difelikefalin during pregnancy where possible. Discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy with renal and maternity specialists.
difelikefalin acetate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether difelikefalin enters human breast milk, and risk to a breastfed infant cannot be excluded. The specialist team should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the benefit of treatment.
difelikefalin acetate interactions
Metabolic interactions are considered unlikely, but medicines that depress the central nervous system may add to drowsiness and dizziness.
Sedating antihistamines
May increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Opioid analgesics
May increase drowsiness, dizziness and impaired alertness.
Gabapentin or pregabalin
Combined use may make dizziness or sleepiness more likely.
Common questions about difelikefalin acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is difelikefalin acetate used for?
It treats moderate-to-severe itching associated with chronic kidney disease in adults receiving haemodialysis.
Is it taken by mouth?
No. A healthcare professional injects it into the venous line of the dialysis circuit.
Can it be given at home?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.