About ferric carboxymaltose
Intravenous iron replacement
Used for
- Treats iron-deficiency anaemia when oral iron is ineffective, unsuitable, or too slow.
- Replenishes iron in selected people with chronic kidney disease or heart failure.
Usual adult dose
Dose depends on body weight and iron deficit; commonly 500–1,000 mg intravenously per visit, repeated if needed. Maximum is generally 1,000 mg per week.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1 year and older: dose depends on weight and iron deficit; commonly up to 15 mg/kg per visit, maximum 750 mg. Use varies by country and indication.
Common side effects
- Nausea, headache, dizziness, or flushing
- Injection-site reactions or temporary high blood pressure
- Low blood phosphate, sometimes prolonged
- Rare serious allergic reactions
Important warnings
- Given intravenously by trained staff, with monitoring during and for at least 30 minutes afterward.
- Can cause severe allergic reactions, including rarely life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Check iron levels and blood phosphate when indicated, especially with repeated courses.
- Avoid use when iron overload or anaemia is not caused by iron deficiency.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed, generally avoiding the first trimester; treatment later in pregnancy requires clinical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible; available evidence suggests little iron passes into breast milk. Monitor infants for unusual changes.
Interactions
- May reduce absorption of oral iron; generally avoid oral iron for at least five days afterward.
- Can affect laboratory tests for serum iron shortly after administration.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.