Difelikefalin is a medication used to treat and manage uremic pruritis and postoperative pain, affecting patients’ quality of life. Difelikefalin is in the opioid class of drugs and works as a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist; alternative names for difelikefalin include 4-amino-1-(D-phenylalanyl-D-phenylalanyl-D-leucyl-D-lysyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid, CKD-943, MR13A9, FE202845, and CR 845. Since difelikefalin is peripherally selective, it is unlikely to cause lethal central nervous system adverse effects such as respiratory depression. IV dosing schedule after dialysis sessions enhances treatment logistics and patient outcomes. Moreover, difelikefalin presents as a safer alternative for managing postoperative pain amid the opioid crisis, offering decreased abuse potential and promising results in early trials. However, further research is needed to validate its efficacy and safety, especially in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. This activity describes the mechanism of action, indications, administration, adverse effects, monitoring, and contraindications for difelikefalin therapy pertinent for interprofessional team members in treating patients with uremic pruritis or postoperative pain.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/132588
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology, Regional Anesthesia/Acute Pain