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Overview: Mimrylo is used to lower red blood cell levels in people who have polycythemia vera. It works by acting like a hormone that affects how your body uses iron, which is needed to make red blood cells. Common side effects include anemia and redness, discoloration, itching, pain, or swelling near the injection site. Keep all appointments for blood work while you are using Mimrylo. This medicine is injected under the skin.

Uses

What is Mimrylo used for?

Mimrylo (rusfertide) is commonly used to lower red blood cell levels in people with polycythemia vera (PV), which is a type of blood cancer.

Navigating Polycythemia Vera With Mimrylo: What You Need to Know

Mimrylo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Mimrylo work (mechanism of action)?

People with polycythemia vera make too many red blood cells, which is called erythrocytosis. This can make the blood thick and increase the risk of blood clots. 

Mimrylo works by acting like a hormone in the body called hepcidin. Hepcidin blocks a protein that moves iron out of cells and into the blood. The body needs iron to make red blood cells. By preventing iron from moving into the blood, Mimrylo makes it harder for the body to make red blood cells. This can help lower the level of red blood cells in the blood.

How is Mimrylo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mimrylo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 9.5 mg, 19 mg, 28 mg, 41 mg, and 54 mg single-dose vials

How should I store Mimrylo?

Before mixing Mimrylo, it should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place, in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze. 

After mixing Mimrylo, it should be used as soon as possible. However, it may be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for up to 4 hours. Throw the medicine away if it is not used within 4 hours. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Mimrylo?

The most common side effects of Mimrylo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Redness or discoloration, itching, pain, or swelling near the injection site, also called injection site reactions (see below)
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia)

There may be other side effects of Mimrylo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Mimrylo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Mimrylo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mimrylo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Mimrylo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Platelet Levels. Mimrylo can cause or worsen high platelet levels, also known as thrombocytosis. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a high level of platelets may increase your risk of blood clots. Keep all appointments for blood work while you are using this medicine. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Swelling or pain in your legs or arms
  • Sudden, severe headache

Injection Site Reactions. Mimrylo can commonly cause reactions where it is injected, and these reactions can sometimes be severe. These reactions may be managed with ice, a corticosteroid cream applied to the skin, or medicines taken by mouth, such as antihistamines or pain relievers. Follow all instructions from your health care provider about how to help prevent and manage these reactions. Tell your health care provider if you have any reactions, such as redness, discoloration, itching, pain, or swelling, that bother you, are severe, or do not go away.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Mimrylo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Mimrylo.

  • Mimrylo
  • Rusfertide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Mimrylo.

What should I know about Mimrylo before using it?

Do not use Mimrylo unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

This medicine is injected under the skin in the stomach area, thigh, or upper arm. Read and follow the instructions and make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Mimrylo. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Mimrylo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Mimrylo out of the reach of children.

It is important to keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, while you are using Mimrylo. This will help your health care provider find the right dose and make sure the medicine is safe and working well for you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Mimrylo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Mimrylo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Mimrylo may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider may do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting Mimrylo. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Mimrylo and for at least 30 days after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Mimrylo passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while you are using Mimrylo and for 30 days after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Mimrylo?

For more information about Mimrylo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.mimrylo.com or call them at 877-825-3327.

Interactions

Does Mimrylo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Mimrylo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Mimrylo.

Does Mimrylo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Mimrylo and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Mimrylo?

If you or someone else has used too much Mimrylo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Mimrylo?

If you use Mimrylo once a week and you miss a dose by 1 to 4 days, give the missed dose right away and then continue your usual dosing schedule. If you miss a dose by more than 4 days, give the missed dose right away, then give your next dose 3 days later, then continue your usual dosing schedule. 

If you use Mimrylo twice a week and you miss a dose by 1 to 2 days, give the missed dose right away, give your next dose 3 days later, then continue your usual dosing schedule. If you miss a dose by more than 2 days, skip the missed dose and continue your usual dosing schedule.

If you have any questions about how to handle a missed dose, contact your health care provider.