Korsuva

Indicated For

moderate-to-severe pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease in adults undergoing hemodialysis

About This Medication

# Vifor Pharma Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Korsuva (difelikefalin) at Low or No Cost Korsuva (difelikefalin) is a prescription injection used to relieve **moderate-to-severe itching (pruritus)** linked to chronic kidney disease in adults on hemodialysis. This guide explains how to access Vifor Pharma's patient assistance program (PAP) for free or low-cost Korsuva if you qualify, helping ease the burden of this distressing symptom.[1][3] ## About Korsuva and CKD-Associated Pruritus **Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP)** affects up to 60-90% of adults on hemodialysis, causing intense, widespread itching that disrupts sleep, mood, and quality of life. Unlike typical itches, CKD-aP stems from kidney disease and dialysis, often resisting standard treatments like creams or antihistamines.[1][3] Korsuva is the **first FDA-approved therapy** specifically for moderate-to-severe CKD-aP in hemodialysis patients. Administered intravenously by your dialysis center during sessions, it targets **kappa opioid receptors** in the brain and spinal cord to reduce itch signals without the risks of traditional opioids like addiction or heavy sedation. It's **not recommended** for peritoneal dialysis patients.[1][3][9] **Key benefits** from clinical trials (KALM-1 and KALM-2): - Up to 50% reduction in itch severity. - Improved sleep and quality of life. - Common side effects: dizziness, diarrhea, nausea (usually mild).[1][9] Always discuss with your doctor; report side effects to Vifor at 1-844-735-9772 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.[1][5] ## Who Qualifies for Vifor Pharma's Patient Assistance Program? Vifor Pharma (manufacturer of Korsuva) offers a **patient assistance program** providing **free medication** to those who can't afford it due to financial hardship. While exact details like income limits aren't publicly listed online, typical PAPs target **uninsured, underinsured, or low-income patients**—often at or below **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**.[2] **General eligibility criteria** (based on standard Vifor programs like VeltassaKonnect): - U.S. resident with valid prescription for Korsuva. - Household income below program thresholds. - Lack of sufficient insurance coverage. - Not enrolled in government programs that fully cover (details below).[2] Contact Vifor for personalized eligibility: **1-844-735-9772** or **Medinfo_US@viforpharma.com**.[1][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific Korsuva PAP income thresholds aren't detailed in available sources, but Vifor programs generally follow FPL guidelines. Here's a **sample table** based on common PAP structures (2026 FPL estimates; confirm with Vifor as they update annually): | Household Size | 400% FPL Example (Annual Income) | Notes | |----------------|---------------------------------|-------| | 1 (Individual) | ~$60,000 | Typical max for free meds | | 2 (Couple) | ~$81,000 | Add ~$21,000 per extra person | | 3 | ~$102,000 | Excludes high medical expenses in some cases | | 4 | ~$123,000 | Vifor may adjust for dialysis costs | *Table is illustrative; call **1-844-735-9772** for exact Korsuva thresholds and proof like tax returns required.*[2] ## Insurance Requirements Vifor PAPs often require **exhausting insurance options first**. Key points: - **Medicare Part D**: May cover Korsuva under TDAPA (Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment) for ESRD drugs, but high copays/deductibles common. PAP bridges gaps.[8] - **Commercial insurance**: Submit denial or high cost-sharing proof. - **Uninsured**: Primary candidates. - **Medicaid/VA**: Usually ineligible. Your dialysis center may bill under ESRD PPS bundle post-TDAPA (ends ~2024); PAP helps if uncovered.[7][8] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get Prescribed**: Ask your nephrologist for Korsuva if CKD-aP persists. 2. **Contact Vifor**: Call **1-844-735-9772** or email **Medinfo_US@viforpharma.com** to start. Mention Korsuva PAP.[1][5] 3. **Gather Documents**: Typically includes: - Prescription. - Proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, SSI letter). - Insurance denial (if applicable). - ID and dialysis proof.[2] 4. **Submit Application**: Doctor completes e-application or mails to Vifor. Digital portals common. 5. **Approval Wait**: See FAQ for timeline. 6. **Receive Meds**: Shipped to dialysis center for IV administration.[2] Your dialysis team handles most logistics since Korsuva is given during sessions. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing: **2-4 weeks** typical for PAPs; expedited for urgent cases. Once approved, supply lasts **12 months** or per policy. **Delivery**: Direct to authorized dialysis clinics—no home shipment needed. Refills require reauthorization.[2] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **VeltassaKonnect**: Vifor's copay assistance for insured patients (sister program).[2] - **NeedyMeds/RxAssist**: Search general CKD itch PAPs. - **Manufacturer Samples**: Ask doctor for bridge supply. - **Clinical Trials**: Check ClinicalTrials.gov for Korsuva studies. - **Generic/Off-label**: No generics; alternatives like gabapentin (off-label, less effective).[1][2] Appeal denials with updated finances or doctor letter. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. **Program details change**—always verify with Vifor at **1-844-735-9772**. Not medical advice; consult your doctor. Vifor not liable for application errors. Income tables illustrative; actual eligibility per Vifor policy.[1][2][5]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026