Ferric derisomaltose is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia (low red blood cell count caused by a lack of iron in your body). Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, a component of red blood cells which carry and provide oxygen to body tissues.
This medicine is used in individuals when oral iron supplements are not effective or cannot be used, or when you need iron immediately to build up the levels of iron in your body.
Ferric derisomaltose is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an injection or infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
After each administration, your doctor or nurse will observe you for at least 30 minutes.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor based on your haemoglobin level in the blood and body weight.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Ferric derisomaltose.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Ferric derisomaltose if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other intravenous iron preparations.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- anaemia that is not caused by low levels of iron e.g. haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them)
- too much iron in the body or problems in the way your body uses iron
- bacterial infection in the blood
- severe liver problem e.g. liver cirrhosis (scarring and damage of the liver)
- active hepatitis (contagious liver infection caused by a virus)
as Ferric derisomaltose may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- drug allergies
- active or history of severe asthma, eczema (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin) or other allergies
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body)
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles)
- infection
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ferric derisomaltose to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. determination of blood bilirubin and calcium levels), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. haemoglobin and blood iron levels) may be done while you are being treated with Ferric derisomaltose. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during and after treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Ferric derisomaltose may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, altered taste, chills, and pain, redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- dizziness or lightheadedness, loss of consciousness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking oral iron supplements.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
