Ferric Derisomaltose (Iron Infusion): Ferric Derisomaltose is used to treat low levels of iron (sometimes called Iron deficiency anaemia). The Doctor will advise Ferric Derisomaltose to be used when iron tablets have not worked, or you cannot tolerate Iron tablets. The Doctor may prescribe Ferric Derisomaltose if you need to build up your iron stores quickly.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Ferric Derisomaltose (Iron Infusion) |
| Department | Maternity |
| Author(s) | Dr Jo Hale & Jan Thurgood, Maternity Matron |
| Review Date | October 2023 |
| Next Review | October 2026 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What Ferric Derisomaltose is and what it is used for?
Ferric Derisomaltose is used to treat low levels of iron (sometimes called Iron deficiency anaemia). The Doctor will advise Ferric Derisomaltose to be used when iron tablets have not worked, or you cannot tolerate Iron tablets. The Doctor may prescribe Ferric Derisomaltose if you need to build up your iron stores quickly.
In pregnancy, Iron deficiency anaemia with haemoglobin (Hb) levels of between 85 g/L and 105 g/L, has been associated with premature delivery, and low birth weight. Women with anaemia are also more likely to require post-partum blood transfusion. In the postnatal period iron deficiency anaemia has been associated with emotional instability, depression, and lower cognitive performance (NICE, 2008).
Contra-indications
- 1st trimester of pregnancy
- If you have anaemia NOT caused by iron deficiency
- History of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to injectable iron preparations
- History of Liver problems such as Cirrhosis
How is Ferric Derisomaltose given?
Ferric Derisomaltose will be administered in the Maternity Day Assessment Unit. You will need to allow approximately 1 hour for the appointment.
The midwife will administer Ferric Derisomaltose by an infusion (drip) into your vein.
The midwife will record your temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure prior to starting the infusion. These observations will be recorded every 15 minutes during the infusion and then 30 minutes after the completion of the Ferric Derisomaltose infusion.
You will be observed for at least 30 minutes by the midwife after each administration.
You will have a full blood count 6 weeks after the Ferric Derisomaltose infusion (4 weeks if close to your delivery date)
If the Ferric Derisomaltose infusion has occurred very close to your delivery date, or in the post-natal period, the GP will be asked to check your iron levels when he/she sees you for your post-natal check.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Ferric Derisomaltose can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
- There is an approximate 10% risk of an extravasation injury (where the iron has leaked into the skin) with Ferric Derisomaltose. This will cause permanent staining of the skin.
Allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions may occur; however, they are in general rare.
Tell the midwife immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms that may indicate a serious allergic reaction:
- Swollen face, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Nausea
- Infection at the site of the cannula
- Local discomfort during infusion.
- Rash
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Hypersensitivity reactions with potential shortness of breath and bronchospasm
- Headache
- Numbness
- Distortion of the sense of taste
- Blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- Low or high blood pressure
- Chest pain, back pain, pain in your muscles or joints, muscle spasms
- Stomach pain, vomiting, impaired digestion, constipation, diarrhoea
- Itching, hives, skin inflammation
- Flushing, sweating, fever, feeling cold, shivering
- Low level of phosphate in the blood
- Infection
- Liver enzymes increased
- Local inflammation of a vein
- Skin exfoliation
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hoarseness
- Seizure
- Tremor
- Altered mental status
- Malaise
Flu-like illness (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) may occur a few hours to several days after injection and is typically characterised by symptoms such as high temperature, and aches and pains in the muscles and joints.4
After Ferric Derisomaltose infusion
Following your Ferric Derisomaltose infusion you will continue on your current antenatal care schedule. If you have any concerns, please contact your community midwife or the Pregnancy helpline on 0300 123 5473.
