MonoFerric
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.
What is MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)?
What is MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) used for?
- 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
How MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) works
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) is an iron supplement. It helps restore the iron levels in the body. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs. It helps make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that's essential for delivering oxygen to different parts of your body. Iron also helps your muscles get the oxygen they need during exercise.
Drug facts
Side effects of MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (1%)
- Rash (1%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Rash
- Itching
- Fast heart rate
- Changes in blood pressure
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: wheezing, a lot of sweating, back pain, chest pain, nausea, chills, dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, rash, itching
- Too much iron in the body (iron overdose): nausea, vomiting, vomiting up blood, tarry stool, stomach pain, stomach ulcer, trouble breathing, feeling confused or dizzy
Pros and cons of MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
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
Pharmacist tips for MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
- Make sure to get your routine blood tests done on time before and after you receive MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose). These blood tests check your iron levels and complete blood count. They help your prescriber check that the medication is working and is safe for you.
- Be sure to give yourself enough time for your infusion appointment. The MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) infusion takes about 20 minutes. Keep in mind that you might need blood work done during your appointment, which could add some time. After your infusion, your care team will also have you stay for at least 30 more minutes to check for any serious reactions to the medication.
- Don't take any other iron supplements while you're getting treated with MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose). This can raise your risk of having too much iron in the body, which can cause fatigue, weakness, darkening skin color, or joint pain.
- Talk to your care team about following an iron-rich diet as an additional way to help restore your iron levels. Foods high in iron include red meats (like beef or pork), dark leafy greens (like broccoli or spinach), beans, and iron-enriched pasta and rice.
Common questions about MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
The ferritin levels in your blood rises within a week after you get the MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) infusion. Ferritin is a protein in the body that stores iron. Your hemoglobin levels also start to rise within 2 weeks after the infusion. Hemoglobin is the protein that delivers oxygen to the rest of your body. Your prescriber measures your ferritin and hemoglobin levels in your blood to check how well MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) is working to treat your iron-deficiency anemia.
Studies showed that hemoglobin levels stayed high for 8 weeks after people received MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose). Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. Your hemoglobin levels help your prescriber check how well MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) is working to treat your iron-deficiency anemia. Your prescriber might continue to check your hemoglobin and iron levels every once in a while after your infusion. If you have iron-deficiency anemia again in the future, your prescriber might recommend another treatment with MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose).
There isn't anything specific you need to do to prepare for your MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) infusion. But it's a good idea to plan ahead for the amount of time you might spend at the clinic or infusion center. You might be at the medical office for at least an hour. This takes into account the time needed for filling out any forms, for the infusion, and for your care team to check for any allergic reactions to the medication. Unless your care team specifically said otherwise, you can eat or drink at any time and take all your prescribed medications before the infusion. Ask your prescriber if you have more questions about your appointment.
The MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) infusion is typically given over at least 20 minutes. After your infusion, the care team will ask you to stay at the clinic or infusion center for at least 30 more minutes. While you're staying at the medical center, the care team will watch for any allergic reactions you might have to the medication. Be sure to plan for some extra time for your appointment and bring something to do to pass the time.
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) and Venofer (iron sucrose) are different iron supplements that are given as injections into the vein. They both treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But MonoFerric is only approved for adults who aren't on hemodialysis, whereas Venofer can be used for people age 6 years and older who either are on dialysis or aren't on dialysis. MonoFerric is also approved for adults who either can't take iron pills or have already tried them. Another difference is that MonoFerric is given as 1 dose but Venofer requires many doses to complete treatment. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about the differences between the two medications.
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) and Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) are iron supplements that are given through the vein. They can treat iron-deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who aren't on dialysis. The two medications also treat iron-deficiency anemia in people who either can't take iron pills or have already tried them. But MonoFerric is for adults only, and Injectafer can be used for people ages 1 year and older for this purpose. Injectafer is also approved for adults with heart failure who have low iron levels. In addition, MonoFerric is 1 infusion per treatment, whereas Injectafer usually requires 2 infusions for the total dose. Talk with your care team to compare between the two medications.
Treatment guidelines generally recommend avoiding IV iron supplementation during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because there aren't any studies confirming that it's safe in the early stages of pregnancy. But the treatment guidelines do list MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) as one of the safe options to use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. To be safe, make sure to tell your care team if you're pregnant before you receive MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose). They'll discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with you.
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Risks and warnings for MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to another IV iron product
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. For your safety, the healthcare professional will watch for allergic reactions while you receive MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) and for at least 30 minutes after the infusion.
Seek medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, like rash, hives, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, and swelling.
Too much iron in the body
Your care team will make sure that you get the right amount of iron that you need to treat your IDA. Too much iron in the body (iron overload) can be harmful. In severe cases, it can lead to liver, heart, and joint problems, as well as other organ damage.
To lower your risk for having too much iron in the body, don't take any other iron supplements during your treatment with MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose). Your care team will keep track of your iron levels during treatment.
Tell your care team right away if you feel tired or weak or if you have joint pain or darkening skin color. These might be signs of high iron levels in your blood. Keep these signs in mind if your prescriber recommends that you take another iron supplement after you complete your treatment with MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose).
MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose) dosage
Typical dosage for MonoFerric (ferric derisomaltose)
- People weighing 110 pounds (50 kg) or more: The typical dose is 1 gram given as an infusion through the vein for a single dose.
- People weighing less than 110 pounds (50 kg): The typical dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight as an infusion through the vein for a single dose.
You can repeat the treatment if you have iron-deficiency anemia again in the future.
