Ferric carboxymaltose


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Intravenous
Iron-deficiency anaemia
Adult: In cases when oral Fe therapy is inadequate or impractical: Dosage is individualised based on patient body weight and Hb level. Determine the Fe needed: Hb <10 g/dL: <35 kg: 500 mg; 35-<70 kg: 1,500 mg; ≥70 kg: 2,000 mg. Hb 10-<14 g/dL: <35 kg: 500 mg; 35-<70 kg: 1,000 mg; ≥70 kg: 1,500 mg. Hb ≥14 g/dL: Regardless of body weight: 500 mg. Based on the Fe needed, appropriate dose(s) must be given taking into consideration the Max single dose of 1,000 mg Fe (15 mg Fe/kg for bolus inj or 20 mg Fe/kg for infusion). Max cumulative Fe dose: 1,000 mg weekly. As bolus inj: Fe dose >200-500 mg: Administer at a rate of 100 mg Fe/min; >500-1,000 mg: Administer over 15 minutes. As IV infusion: Fe dose: >200-500 mg: Administer over 6 minutes; >500-1,000 mg: Administer over 15 minutes. Reassess Hb level at least 4 weeks after the last administration and may repeat therapy based on recalculated Fe requirement. Alternatively, <50 kg: 15 mg/kg for 2 doses given at least 7 days apart; ≥50 kg: 750 mg for 2 doses given at least 7 days apart. Doses are given via slow inj or infusion. Max single dose: 750 mg. Max total cumulative Fe dose: 1,500 mg each course. Treatment course may be repeated if anaemia reoccurs. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products (refer to specific product guideline).
Special Patient Group
In pregnant women: Max cumulative Fe dose: Hb <9 g/dL: 1,500 mg; Hb ≥9 g/dL: 1,000 mg. Max: 1,000 mg Fe weekly.
Renal Impairment
Patients with haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD): As undiluted solution: Max single dose of 200 mg Fe daily via inj into the venous limb of the dialyser. Patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD: <50 kg: 15 mg/kg for 2 doses given at least 7 days apart; ≥50 kg: 750 mg for 2 doses given at least 7 days apart. Doses are given via slow inj or infusion. Max single dose: 750 mg. Max total cumulative Fe dose: 1,500 mg each course. Treatment course may be repeated if anaemia reoccurs.
Reconstitution
IV infusion: Dilute in max of 50 mL (doses 100-200 mg Fe), 100 mL (doses >200-500 mg Fe) or 250 mL (doses >500-1,000 mg Fe) of NaCl 0.9% solution to a final concentration of 2-5 mg Fe/mL. Recommendations for reconstitution may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guideline.
Contraindications
Anaemia not associated with Fe deficiency (e.g. other microcytic anaemia), Fe overload or disturbances in Fe utilisation. Hepatic impairment where Fe overload is a precipitating factor (particularly porphyria cutanea tarda).
Special Precautions
Patients with known allergies (e.g. drug allergies), existing or history of severe asthma, eczema or other atopic allergies; immune or inflammatory conditions (e.g. SLE, rheumatoid arthritis), acute or chronic infection; risk factors for hypophosphataemia (e.g. history of gastrointestinal disorders associated with malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins or phosphate, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, concomitant or prior use of drugs that affect proximal renal tubular function). Discontinue in patients with ongoing bacteraemia. Avoid extravasation. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy (2nd-3rd trimester) and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Kounis syndrome (secondary to hypersensitivity reactions), symptomatic hypophosphataemia resulting in osteomalacia and fracture; hypertension.
Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia, chest discomfort.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Inj or infusion site reactions (e.g. pain, haematoma, discolouration), pyrexia, fatigue, chills, oedema peripheral.
Immune system disorders: Angioedema.
Investigations: Increased ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyltransferase, blood lactate dehydrogenase, blood alkaline phosphatase.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Myalgia, back pain, arthralgia, pain in extremity.
Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, headache, paraesthesia.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Dyspnoea.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus, rash, erythema, urticaria.
Vascular disorders: Flushing, hypotension, syncope.
Potentially Fatal: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions).
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor for Hb and haematocrit, serum ferritin (assessed 2-4 weeks post-infusion course completion), Fe saturation; serum phosphate in patients receiving repeated high-dose administrations or on long-term therapy and those at risk for hypophosphataemia; vital signs (especially blood pressure). Monitor infusion site for extravasation; signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity during and for 30 minutes after each administration. In patients with CKD: Monitor serum ferritin and transferrin saturation more regularly after a treatment course.
Overdosage
Symptoms: May lead to Fe accumulation in storage sites resulting in haemosiderosis. Management: May give Fe chelator in case of Fe accumulation.
Drug Interactions
Decreases absorption of oral Fe; avoid initiation of oral therapy for at least 5 days after the last IV Fe administration.
Lab Interference
May result in false elevated serum or transferrin bound Fe levels within approx 24 hours after IV administration.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Ferric carboxymaltose is a colloidal iron (III) hydroxide in complex with a carbohydrate polymer that releases Fe needed to the function of Hb, myoglobin, and specific enzyme systems. It is a stable non-dextran Fe formulation which allows Fe uptake by the reticuloendothelial system without releasing free Fe.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Time to peak plasma concentration: 0.25-1.2 hours.
Distribution: Enters breast milk (Fe). Volume of distribution: Approx 3 L.
Excretion: Via urine (negligible). Terminal elimination half-life: 7-12 hours.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Ferric carboxymaltose

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 86278165, Ferric carboxymaltose. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ferric-carboxymaltose. Accessed Mar. 25, 2021.

Storage
Store intact vials below 30°C. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Protect from light.
MIMS Class
Vitamins & Minerals (Pre & Post Natal) / Antianemics
References
Anon. Ferric Carboxymaltose. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 18/03/2021.

Anon. Ferric Carboxymaltose. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Ferric Carboxymaltose. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Ferinject 50 mg iron/mL Solution for Injection/Infusion (Vifor France). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Ferinject 50 mg iron/mL Solution for Injection/Infusion (Zuellig Pharma Ltd.). MIMS Thailaind. http://www.mims.com/thailand. Accessed 19/01/2021.

Injectafer Injection Solution (American Regent, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Joint Formulary Committee. Ferric Carboxymaltose. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Pharmacy Retailing (trading as Healthcare Logistics). Ferinject 50 mg/mL Solution for Injection data sheet 17 July 2020. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 18/01/2021.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Ferric carboxymaltose from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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