Ferric Carboxymaltose
Indications
Ferric Carboxymaltose is an iron medicine given into a vein. It is used to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia (low blood count caused by lack of iron) when iron tablets have not worked, cannot be tolerated, or when iron needs to be replaced quickly, for example before surgery, in long-term kidney disease, heart failure or heavy bleeding. The diagnosis must be confirmed with blood tests.
How It Works
Each particle holds iron inside a sugar shell. After the infusion, the body slowly releases the iron and uses it to make haemoglobin (the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen) and to refill the body's iron stores.
Dosage and Administration
Given only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic, as a slow injection or a drip into a vein. The total dose is worked out by the doctor from your body weight and haemoglobin level, and may be split into more than one visit. You will be watched for at least 30 minutes after each dose. It is not given to children under 1 year, and children are dosed as prescribed.
Interactions
It reduces the absorption of iron tablets or syrup taken by mouth. Do not start oral iron until at least 5 days after the last injection unless your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Ferric Carboxymaltose or any other iron injection.
- Anaemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.
- Iron overload or problems using iron in the body.
Side Effects
Common: headache, dizziness, nausea, flushing, raised blood pressure, and pain or burning where the needle goes in. If the medicine leaks under the skin it can leave a brown stain that may last a long time, so tell the nurse straight away if the site hurts or swells. Low blood phosphate can occur, especially with repeated doses, and may cause tiredness, muscle weakness or bone pain.
Get urgent medical help if you have trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, a widespread rash, chest pain, or feel faint during or after the infusion.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Not used in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy it is given only when the doctor decides the benefit is clear, because allergic reactions in the mother can affect the baby. Very little passes into breast milk and it is unlikely to harm a breastfed baby; discuss with your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
- Tell your doctor about any past allergy, asthma, eczema or reaction to an iron injection.
- Tell your doctor if you have a current infection, liver disease or low phosphate levels.
- The doctor will check your blood before giving further doses.
Overdose
Because the dose is given by health staff, overdose is unlikely. Too much iron can build up in the body over time; the doctor monitors iron levels and treats this if needed.
Therapeutic Class
Parenteral (injectable) iron preparation.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Do not freeze. Usually stored and prepared by the hospital or clinic. Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Ferric Carboxymaltose