What is Ferric carboxymaltose?
Iron carboxymaltose, also known as ferric carboxymaltose, is a product used by adults to treat iron-deficiency anemia. This is characterized by low red blood cell counts caused by a lack of iron in the body. Ferric carboxymaltose can be given to adults who have IDA, or chronic renal disease, but are not on dialysis. Ferric carboxymaltose can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ferric carboxymaltose
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, feeling as if you could pass out, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
It is possible to have serious side effects from ferric carboxymaltose. If you experience:
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Increased blood pressure—dizziness; nausea; sudden warmth or redness on your face. severe headache.
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Low levels of phosphorus can cause confusion, bone pain, and muscle weakness.
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High levels of iron in the body can cause fatigue, joint pain, and finger pain. Weight loss is also possible.
Some of the common side effects of ferric carboxymaltose include:
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Nausea;
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Dizziness;
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High blood pressure
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Flushing (warmth, tingling, or redness);
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Low phosphorus levels.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if any side effects appear; for medical advice on potential concerns.Contacting the FDA directly is also available by dialing 1-800FDA-1088 and reporting potential side effects.
Similar/related drugs
ferrous sulfate, FeroSul, Venofer, and Infed
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ferric carboxymaltose, then it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
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High blood pressure
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An allergic reaction occurs when iron is injected into the vein.
If you plan to get pregnant, tell your doctor. Although it is unknown if ferric carboxymaltose can harm the unborn child, it may cause severe reactions that affect the heartbeat of the infant. Iron deficiency or anemia may cause premature births or low birthweights. Treating this condition with ferric chloroxymaltose could be beneficial to both mother and baby. Tell your doctor if you observe diarrhea and constipation in the baby.
How to take Ferric carboxymaltose?
A healthcare provider injects ferric carboxymaltose into a vein. If you experience any pain or burning when receiving ferric carboxymaltose, tell your doctor. The doctor will monitor you for at least 30 minutes to ensure that you are not allergic. The usual dosage is two doses separated by 7 days. Even if you don't have any symptoms, you may still need to undergo medical tests.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for iron deficiency anemia:
Patients who weigh 50 kg or more
Two doses of 750mg via slow IV push or infusion, separated at least by 7 days
As a single-dose treatment, a 15 mg/kg alternative dosage up to 1,000 mg is possible.
Maximum dose: The total cumulative dose of iron should not exceed 1500mg per course.
Patients who weigh less than 50 kg
Two doses of 15 mg/kg by slow IV push or infusion, separated by at least seven days
Comments:
Each mL contains 50 mg of elemental iron. The dosage is given in mg of iron.
If iron deficiency is recurrent, the treatment may need to be repeated.
Use: Treatment for iron deficiency in adults who have an intolerance to or an unsatisfactory reaction to oral iron and in adults without chronic kidney disease.
The usual dose for iron deficiency anemia in children is:
Patients who weigh 50 kg or more
Two doses of 750mg via slow IV push or infusion, separated at least by 7 days
As a single-dose treatment, a 15 mg/kg alternative dosage up to 1,000 mg is possible.
Maximum dose: The total cumulative dose of iron should not exceed 1500mg per course.
Patients who weigh less than 50 kg
Two doses of 15 mg/kg by slow IV push or infusion, separated by at least seven days
Comments:
The dosage is given in mg of iron.
If iron deficiency is recurrent, the treatment may need to be repeated.
Use: Treatment for iron deficiency in children aged 1 year or older who have normal kidney function, an intolerance of oral iron, or a response that is not satisfactory to oral iron.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for ferric carboxymaltose, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning and require immediate medical help or poison relief assistance. The symptoms of an overdose can include pain, a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing blood, or weight loss.
What should be avoided?
Avoid taking iron or vitamin or mineral supplements that have not been prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can affect ferric carboxymaltose. These include vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
