Description
This medicine is a selective κ (kappa) opioid receptor agonist to suppress itch. It controls itch when other existing antihistamine or antiallergic medicines are ineffectual.
It is usually used for improvement of itch in hemodialysis and/or chronic liver disease when other existing treatment is insufficient.
Presentation
14 tablets
Feature
soft purplish-red to dull red film-coated tablet (diameter: 7.1 mm, thickness: approx. 3.2 mm)
Active Ingredients
Nalfurafine hydrochloride
Effect/Efficacy
This medicine is a selective κ (kappa) opioid receptor agonist to suppress itch. It controls itch when other existing antihistamine or antiallergic medicines are ineffectual.
It is usually used for improvement of itch in hemodialysis and/or chronic liver disease when other existing treatment is insufficient.
Usage/Dosage
In general, for adults, take 1 tablet (2.5 mcg of the active ingredient) at a time, once daily, after supper or before bedtime. The dosage may be increased according to the symptoms, however, the dosage is limited to 2 tablets (5 mcg) once daily. Strictly follow the instructions.
If you are taking this medicine for improvement of pruritus caused by hemodialysis, leave a sufficient interval between taking this medicine and receiving hemodialysis.
You may dissolve this medicine with saliva on your tongue and crush it lightly with tongue, and then swallow it with saliva.
If you miss a dose, in case you are instructed to take the medicine after supper and remember it before bedtime on the same day, take a dose as soon as possible. In other cases, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. You should never take two doses at one time.
If you accidentally take more than your prescribed dose, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Precautions while taking this medicine
The medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery.
Grapefruit juice may raise the plasma concentration and enhance the effect of the medicine. Never take the medicine with grapefruit juice.
Cautions
If you have previously experienced any allergic reactions (itch, rash, etc.) to any medicines.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are taking any other medicinal products. (Some medicines may interact to enhance or diminish medicinal effects. Beware of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements as well as other prescription medicines.)
The medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery.
Grapefruit juice may raise the plasma concentration and enhance the effect of the medicine. Never take the medicine with grapefruit juice.
Keep out of reach of children. Store away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
Discard the remainder. Do not store them. Ask your pharmacist or medical institution how to discard them.
Contraindication
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include sleeplessness, constipation and drowsiness. In the case of chronic liver disease, pollakiuria or nocturia is also included. If any of these symptoms occur, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
The symptoms described below are rarely seen as initial symptoms of the adverse reactions indicated in brackets. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor immediately.
generalized fatigability, loss of appetite, yellowness of the skin or conjunctiva [liver dysfunction, jaundice]
The above symptoms do not describe all the adverse reactions to this medicine. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any symptoms of concern other than those listed above.
