MonoFerric vs. Injectafer for Anemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

MonoFerric

(ferric derisomaltose)

Injectafer

(ferric carboxymaltose)

Summary for MonoFerric

Prescription only

MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) is an iron infusion that treats iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in certain adults. This iron supplement is given intravenously (IV), meaning an injection through the veins, as a single dose by a healthcare professional (HCP). The dosage depends on your weight. Side effects are rare but might include nausea and rash. MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) is currently available as a brand-name medication only.

Indications for MonoFerric

Iron-deficiency anemia (anemia due to low iron levels) in adults who either have already tried or can't take iron supplements in pill form
Iron-deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)and aren't on hemodialysis

Pros and Cons for MonoFerric

Pros

Works well to raise hemoglobin levels in people with iron-deficiency anemia
Given as a single dose
Few side effects

Cons

Needs to be injected into the vein by a healthcare professional (HCP) at a clinic or infusion center
Hasn't been studied in children

Common Side Effects for MonoFerric

Nausea (1%)
Rash (1%)

Warnings for MonoFerric

Serious allergic reactions
Too much iron in the body

Summary for Injectafer

Prescription only

Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) is an iron supplement that's given as an infusion through the vein. It treats iron-deficiency anemia in people who can't take iron supplements by mouth and in certain adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) can also treat iron deficiency in certain adults with heart failure. This medication is given by a healthcare provider, typically as one or two infusions. While the medication helps replace iron in your blood, it can cause side effects like nausea and flushing of the skin.

Indications for Injectafer

Iron-deficiency anemia (anemia due to low iron levels) in:
- People 1 year of age and older who either can't take or don't respond well to iron supplements that are taken by mouth
- Adults who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and who aren't on dialysis
Iron deficiency (low iron levels) in certain adults with heart failure

Pros and Cons for Injectafer

Pros

Given as 1 or 2 infusions for most people
Infusion takes about 15 minutes
Can use for children as young as 1 year old who can't take iron supplements by mouth
Can help improve ability to exercise in adults with heart failure and low iron levels

Cons

Must be injected into the vein by a healthcare provider
Must be given at an infusion center or provider's office
Brand-name medication only

Common Side Effects for Injectafer

Nausea (7%)
High blood pressure (4%)
Flushing of the skin (up to 4%)
Injection site reactions (pain, irritation, redness, bruising, itching, swelling, or redness; 3%)
Dizziness (2%)
Vomiting (2%)
Low blood phosphate levels (2%)

Note: Side effect percentages were collected from clinical studies with adults. Percentages for children might be different.