Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Korsuva
What is KORSUVA used for?
KORSUVA is used to treat itching (i.e., pruritus) in adults with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.
How does KORSUVA work?
KORSUVA contains the active substance difelikefalin. KORSUVA works by relieving the need for scratching yourself.
What are the ingredients in KORSUVA?
Medicinal ingredients: difelikefalin
Non-medicinal ingredients: acetic acid, sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium chloride, water for injections
KORSUVA comes in the following dosage forms:
Solution, 50 mcg difelikefalin (as acetate) per 1 mL.
Do not use KORSUVA if:
- You are allergic to difelikefalin or to any of the ingredients in KORSUVA (see list of Non-medicinal ingredients).
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you receive KORSUVA. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
are pregnant, think you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KORSUVA may harm your unborn baby;
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KORSUVA can pass into your milk and harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare professional about the best way to feed your baby if you take KORSUVA;
- have an increased potassium level in the blood;
- have or have had heart weakness or a heart rhythm disorder;
- have problems with your liver;
have reduced function of the blood-brain barrier (such as cancer in the brain or the central nervous system, or a disease of the central nervous system like multiple sclerosis
- or dementia) as this might increase your risk of side effects;
are using medicines that could increase the risk of drowsiness or dizziness, such as:
- medicines that slow down brain activity such as those that help with sleep disturbances and anxiety;
- medicines to treat allergies, cold, nausea and/or vomiting called sedating antihistamines;
- strong painkillers, called opioid analgesics.
Other warnings you should know about:
Falls can occur during treatment with KORSUVA.
Dizziness and drowsiness have occurred in patients taking KORSUVA. If you are 65 years or older, you may be more likely to experience drowsiness. Give yourself time after taking KORSUVA to see how you feel before driving a vehicle or using machinery.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with KORSUVA:
There are no known drug interactions.
How to take KORSUVA:
- Your healthcare professional will add KORSUVA into the venous line of the dialysis circuit 3 times per week at the end of a hemodialysis session.
- No more than 4 doses of KORSUVA per week should be given even if the number of hemodialysis treatments in a week exceeds 4.
Usual dose:
The recommended dose of KORSUVA is 0.5 mcg/kg. Your healthcare professional will determine the right dose for you, based on your body weight.
If a dialysis treatment is unfinished, your doctor will decide whether it is better for you to receive KORSUVA after the unfinished dialysis session or wait until your next dialysis treatment.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have received too much KORSUVA, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you miss a regular hemodialysis treatment, KORSUVA should be given at the next hemodialysis treatment at the same dose.
What are possible side effects from using KORSUVA?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking KORSUVA. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Common side effects (≥1% and <10%):
- Sensation in the skin or mouth such as tingling prickling, burning or numbness, decreased feeling or sensitivity
- Headache
- Nausea, diarrhea
- Change in how you walk (your gait) and falls
- High blood potassium level (seen in blood tests)
- Back pain
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| COMMON | |||
| Dizziness | X | ||
| Drowsiness | X | ||
| UNCOMMON | |||
| Chest pain, shortness of breath due to heart weakness or feeling of irregular heart beat | X | ||
| Mental status changes (including feeling confused) | X | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
Store KORSUVA at room temperature (15°C - 30°C). Do not freeze. Do not use KORSUVA after the expiry date which appears right after the word “EXP” on the label or carton.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about KORSUVA:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes
- this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website (www.otsukacanada.com), or by calling 1-877-341-9245.
Last prepared AUG 12, 2022