ferric derisomaltose at a glance
Medicine class
Intravenous iron preparation.
Licensed use
Iron deficiency in adults with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis when oral iron is unsuitable or ineffective.
Administration
Given into a vein by trained staff, including through the dialysis circuit.
Safety observation
Monitoring is required during administration and for at least 30 minutes afterwards because serious allergic reactions can occur.
What is ferric derisomaltose used for?
Diafer has a specific licensed role rather than a general licence for every cause of iron deficiency.
Laboratory-confirmed iron deficiency in adults with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis, when oral iron is ineffective or cannot be used.
How does ferric derisomaltose work?
Ferric derisomaltose holds iron in an iron–carbohydrate complex and releases it to iron-binding proteins. The iron can then be stored or used to make haemoglobin.
ferric derisomaltose preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL
How to take ferric derisomaltose
Ferric derisomaltose is not swallowed. Diafer is given into a vein by trained staff, either as an injection or through the venous side of the dialysis circuit. Immediately report pain, burning, swelling or leakage around the cannula because iron outside the vein may cause lasting brown skin discolouration.
If diluted, it is prepared only with sterile sodium chloride solution as specified in the product information.
You should be observed during administration and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
Food does not affect intravenous administration.
ferric derisomaltose side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, burning, redness, swelling, bruising, irritation or discolouration.
Get urgent medical advice
- A severe allergic reaction, with sudden breathing difficulty, swelling, hives, marked dizziness, low blood pressure or collapse.
- Sudden chest pain or severe chest or back tightness during administration.
- Iron leaking outside the vein, potentially causing long-lasting skin staining.
- Severe or persistent delayed muscle or joint pain, sometimes with fever.
ferric derisomaltose in pregnancy
Evidence in pregnancy is limited. Diafer should be used only after careful assessment and, where needed, during the second or third trimester when expected benefits outweigh potential risks. Maternal hypersensitivity can temporarily slow the fetal heart rate, so fetal monitoring is required during administration.
ferric derisomaltose while breastfeeding
Some iron transfers into breast milk, but measured concentrations remained within the normal range and adverse effects in breastfed infants are not anticipated. Discuss treatment with the renal team or prescriber, particularly if the baby is premature or unwell.
ferric derisomaltose interactions
The clinically relevant product-specific interaction is with oral iron.
Oral iron preparations
Concurrent use can reduce oral iron absorption. Do not take them together unless the treating team gives specific instructions.
Common questions about ferric derisomaltose
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is ferric derisomaltose the same as an iron tablet?
No. It is an iron–carbohydrate complex given directly into a vein.
Can ferric derisomaltose cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Serious reactions are uncommon but can be life-threatening and may occur despite previously tolerated treatment.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.