General

Pronunciation:
fer-ik car-box-ee-mal-tose

Trade Name(s)

• Injectafer

Ther. Class.

antianemics

Pharm. Class.

iron supplements

Indications

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults who cannot tolerate/have an unsatisfactory response to oral iron or who have chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis dependent)

Action

A colloidal iron complex that releases iron into circulation.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Iron replacement with improvement in indices and symptoms of iron deficiency.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Iron released from colloid is rapidly bioavailable.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Iron is rapidly cleared from plasma and used in hemoglobin formation. Negligible renal elimination.

Half-life: 7–12 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (improved indices)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

• GI disorders associated with malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins or phosphate, concurrent/prior use of medications that affect proximal renal tubular function, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, or malnutrition (↑ risk of hypophosphatemia)
• OB:   Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur which can lead to bradycardia in fetus, especially during second and third trimesters
•  Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant;
• Pedi:  Safety and effectiveness not established in children;
• Geri:  Older adults may be more sensitive to effects.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: dizziness, dysgeusia, headache

CV: hypertension, hypotension

Derm: flushing

F and E: hypophosphatemia

GI: constipation, ↑ liver enzymes, nausea, vomiting

Local: extravasation with skin discoloration

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (including anaphylaxis)

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

None reported.

Route/Dosage

IV (Adults ≥50 kg): 750 mg, followed at least 7 days later by a second dose of 750 mg (total cumulative dose = 1500 mg/course)  OR  15 mg/kg (max dose = 1000 mg) as a single dose.

IV (Adults <50 kg): 15 mg/kg, followed at least 7 days later by a second dose of 15 mg/kg.

Availability

Solution for injection: 50 mg/mL

Assessment

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions (hypotension, loss of consciousness, pruritus, rash, urticaria, wheezing) for at least 30 min and stable following completion of injection.
• Monitor for injection site for extravasation. May cause long lasting brown discoloration at site. If extravasation occurs, discontinue and administer at another site.
• Monitor BP during infusion. May cause transient hypertension. May cause facial flushing, dizziness and nausea. Usually resolved within 30 min following injection.

Lab Test Considerations:

Monitor hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation prior to and at completion of course of therapy.

• Monitor serum phosphate in patients at risk for low phosphate who require a repeat course of therapy.
• May cause ↑ ALT.

Implementation

• Dose is expressed in elemental iron. Each mL of ferric carboxymaltose contain 50 mg of elemental iron.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Explain purpose of ferric carboxymaltose to patient. Ask patient if they have a history of reactions to parenteral iron products. Advise patient to read  Patient Information  before starting and periodically during therapy in case of changes.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications. Instruct patient to avoid taking iron supplements during therapy.
• Rep:  Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. Severe maternal reactions (circulatory failure, severe hypotension, shock, anaphylaxis) may occur increasing risk for preterm delivery and low birth weight. May cause fetal bradycardia, especially in 2nd and 3rd trimester. Monitor breastfed infants for GI toxicity (constipation, diarrhea).

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia with improvements in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation.