Uses
Ferric carboxymaltose injection is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells due to too little iron) in adults who cannot tolerate or who could not successfully be treated with iron supplements taken by mouth. This medication is also used to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (damage to the kidneys which may worsen over time and may cause the kidneys to stop working) who are not on dialysis. The injection is in a class of medications called iron replacement products. It works by replenishing iron stores so that the body can make more red blood cells.
Side Effects Of Ferric Carboxymaltose Injection
Ferric carboxymaltose injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- changes in taste
- headache
- pain or bruising in the area of the ferric carboxymaltose injection
- brown discoloration of the skin in the area where the medication was injected that may be long-lasting
This injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving ferric carboxymaltose injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to the injection, ferumoxytol (Feraheme), iron dextran (Dexferrum, Infed), iron sucrose (Venofer), or sodium ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit); any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ferric carboxymaltose injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: ifosfamide (Ifex), tenofovir (Viread), and valproic acid. Also, tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements that are taken by mouth. Your doctor may need to change the doses or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have low blood levels of phosphate or are unable to eat a healthy diet. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a gastrointestinal disorder in which you are unable to absorb certain vitamins, a vitamin D deficiency, high blood pressure, or parathyroid or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving this injection, call your doctor. Monitor the breastfed infant for constipation or diarrhea while you are receiving ferric carboxymaltose injection. Call your doctor immediately if the breastfed infant has any of these symptoms.
Dosage Of Ferric Carboxymaltose Injection
Ferric carboxymaltose injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It is usually given as a total of 2 doses, spaced at least 7 days apart. If your iron levels become low after you finish your treatment, your doctor may prescribe this medication again.
The injection may cause severe or life-threatening reactions during and shortly after you receive the medication. Your doctor will watch you carefully while you receive each dose of ferric carboxymaltose injection and for at least 30 minutes afterward. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure frequently during this time. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after your injection: shortness of breath; wheezing; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; hives; rash; itching; fainting; lightheadedness; dizziness; flushing of the face; nausea; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; chest pain; or loss of consciousness. If you experience a severe reaction, your doctor will stop your ferric carboxymaltose injection immediately and provide emergency medical treatment.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to ferric carboxymaltose injection.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving ferric carboxymaltose injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information on ferric carboxymaltose injection has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
