Do you feel tired all the time? Do you feel dizzy when you walk a little faster or climb a flight of stairs? Do you feel that your skin and lips are pale? These can often be symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, which is caused by a decrease in iron levels in the body. Simply put, a lack of blood in our body. Usually, a doctor will first prescribe medicine like iron tablets for this. But for some people, it is difficult to control this condition with tablets alone. At such times, the doctor may recommend an iron injection given into a vein to provide iron to the body quickly and efficiently. Today we are talking about one such powerful iron injection, Ferric Derisomaltose .
What actually happens with this vaccine?
Think of the red blood cells in our bodies as delivery trucks. The main cargo of these trucks is oxygen. These red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to cells in every corner of the body. So, iron is an essential element for red blood cells to do this job properly. Without iron, the body cannot make healthy red blood cells that can properly carry oxygen.
Ferric Derisomaltose is a liquid that contains iron. It is given as an injection directly into your vein. This means that the required amount of iron is added directly to the blood faster than the oral tablets are absorbed from the intestines. This helps the body quickly replenish the lost iron, produce new healthy red blood cells, and reduce the symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and weakness.
Things to tell your doctor before treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor. The more they know about your health, the safer the treatment you will receive. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- If you have high levels of iron in your body (e.g., conditions like hemochromatosis).
- If you have an allergic reaction to iron or any other medicine, food, or dye .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you, or whether you need another option.
Remember, don't take anything you tell your doctor about your health history for granted. Every piece of information is important for your safety.
How is this treatment given and what to watch out for?
This is not a vaccine that can be given at home. Ferric Derisomaltose is given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of trained medical staff . It can be given as an infusion, like saline, into a vein, or as an injection directly into a vein.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time and on the scheduled date for this treatment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know, and make an appointment for the next available day.
What if the medication dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the chances of overdose are very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something like this, you should inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, the first thing to do is to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things not to use with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this iron injection. Therefore, do not use other iron products (e.g. iron tablets) while you are taking this treatment. Also, the medications Deferoxamine and Dimercaprol are not used with this.
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Don't forget to tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this iron injection can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The table below explains this clearly.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor or nursing staff immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low Blood Pressure | Dizziness, blue eyes, feeling like you're about to lose consciousness. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| 🙂 Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Flushing | Hot and reddened face, neck, or chest area. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Joint and muscle pain | Pain in the body and joints. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Ferric Derisomaltose is a potent, intravenous treatment for iron deficiency anemia that is difficult to control with iron pills.
- Before starting treatment, you must tell your doctor about all your allergies, other medical conditions, pregnancy, and all medications you are taking.
- This vaccine is only given in a hospital or clinic, under medical supervision.
- If you experience any symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or severe skin irritation during treatment, notify the medical staff immediately.
- Stay in regular contact with your doctor to see if your symptoms are improving or decreasing, and to check your blood iron levels.
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