Rusfertide (Mimrylo™)

This medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). How often you will need to have an injection depends on your dose. Your provider will determine your dose and schedule. You may have this medication at your treatment center or self-administer it at home.

If taking it at home, you and/or your caregiver will be taught how to prepare and give yourself the injections. After you have mixed the medication, you must use it within four hours. If more than four hours have passed since mixing, throw the dose away.  Inject the medication in your belly (stomach area) at least 2 inches from your belly button, in the front of your thigh, or the upper outer arm. If you are not comfortable injecting yourself, contact your healthcare provider.

• If you take one injection a week and miss a dose by 1-4 days, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to your usual injection day. 
• If you take one injection a week and it has been more than four days, take the missed injection as soon as you remember, then take your next dose 3 days later, then return to your usual schedule.
• If you inject twice a week, and you have missed a dose by 1-2 days, take the dose as soon as you remember. Take your next injection 3 days later, then return to your normal schedule.
• If you inject twice a week and it’s been more than two days, skip that dose and continue with your usual schedule.
• You can always contact your provider if you miss a dose and need help determining when to take your next dose.

Keep this medication away from children and pets.

Storage and Handling

Keep this medication at room temperature. Do not freeze it. Keep it in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not reuse vials, syringes, or needles. Do not throw the vials, syringes, or needles in the household trash. Dispose of all used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof disposable container with a lid. The FDA provides further information about the disposal of vials, syringes, and needles.

Where do I get this medication?

Depending on your insurance coverage, this medication may be supplied by a home infusion company or through a specialty pharmacy. If covered through your pharmacy plan, your provider will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network specialty pharmacy for distribution of this medication and shipment directly to your home.

Insurance Information

Depending on your insurance coverage, this medication may be covered under your major medical plan OR your prescription plan. Your provider will work with your insurance company and pharmacy plan to determine who will supply the drug. If you qualify, you may be able to get financial help through patient assistance programs (PAP). Co-pay cards may also be available to lower your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial (not Medicare/Medicaid/Tricare) insurance. Your pharmacist, social worker, or navigator can help find resources for financial support.

Injection-site Reactions

You may have irritation or injury where this medication was injected (put into your body). You may have pain, bruising, or bleeding. Call your provider if these symptoms do not get better or get worse as time goes on. Ice, topical corticosteroid creams, antihistamines, or pain relievers can help manage pain and swelling.

High Platelet Counts

This medication can make your platelet count go up. Platelets help your blood clot. If there are too many, it can raise your risk of bleeding or blood clots. Your provider will check your blood counts regularly while you are taking this medication. Symptoms can include:

• Bruising or bleeding that is new or worse than usual.
• Chest pain.
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
• Pain or swelling in your legs.
• A sudden, bad headache.

Call your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Reproductive Concerns

There is a higher risk of health problems for your baby if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or get someone pregnant while on this medication. To lower the risk of birth defects, you should use birth control (contraception) to avoid pregnancy. Talk with your provider about what kind of birth control is safest for you and your partner.

You may have a pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medication. If you can become pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose of this medication, even if your menstrual cycle has stopped or changed. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose of this medication.