1 Recommendations
1.1 Difelikefalin is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, for treating moderate to severe pruritus in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) having in-centre haemodialysis. Difelikefalin is only recommended if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.
Why the committee made this recommendation
Usual treatment for pruritus (itching) in people with CKD having haemodialysis includes creams and emollients, antihistamines and gabapentin. Difelikefalin would be offered if usual treatments do not work well enough.
Evidence from clinical trials shows that difelikefalin reduces itching compared with usual treatment, despite some uncertainty about how long it works for and whether it improves people's quality of life.
The cost-effectiveness estimates for difelikefalin are within the range that NICE usually considers an acceptable use of NHS resources. So, it is recommended.