Indications
Ferric Derisomaltose is an iron preparation given into a vein. It is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia (low red blood cells caused by lack of iron) in adults when iron tablets do not work, cannot be tolerated, or when iron needs to be replaced quickly, for example in chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heavy blood loss or before surgery.
How It Works
The iron is tightly bound to a sugar-like carrier (derisomaltose). After infusion, the iron is released slowly to the body’s iron stores and bone marrow, where it is used to make haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. A large dose can be given in a single visit.
Dosage and Administration
This medicine is given only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic, as an injection or infusion into a vein. The total dose is worked out by the doctor from body weight and haemoglobin level and is given as prescribed, often in one or two sessions. Facilities to treat allergic reactions must be available, and the patient is observed for at least 30 minutes after each dose.
Interactions
Do not take iron tablets or syrups at the same time, because intravenous iron reduces their absorption; oral iron is usually started again at least 5 days after the last infusion if needed. Tell the doctor about all other medicines.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Ferric Derisomaltose or to any other injectable iron
- Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
- Iron overload or problems using iron, such as haemochromatosis
- Severe liver disease
Side Effects
Common effects include nausea, rash, flushing, headache, changes in taste, and pain or burning at the injection site. Brown staining of the skin can occur if the medicine leaks out of the vein. Low blood phosphate, low blood pressure, fever, muscle or joint aches and dizziness may occur.
Get urgent medical help, or tell the nurse at once, if you notice difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, chest pain, fainting or a fast heartbeat during or after the infusion.
Pregnancy and Lactation
It should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters it is used only if clearly needed, because allergic reactions in the mother can affect the baby. Only very small amounts pass into breast milk, and it is generally considered acceptable during breastfeeding; discuss with your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
Serious allergic reactions can happen even if earlier doses were well tolerated; the risk is higher in people with asthma, eczema or other allergies, or immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Use with care in people with liver problems or active infection. Blood tests are done to check iron levels and response.
Overdose
Too much iron can build up in the body over time (iron overload). Overdose is managed by the doctor with monitoring and, if needed, an iron-removing medicine.
Therapeutic Class
Parenteral (intravenous) iron preparation; anti-anaemic.
Storage
Store below 30°C, do not freeze, and keep out of the reach of children. Hospital storage as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.