Ferric Carboxymaltose

Ferric Carboxymaltose is a intravenous iron preparation medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of iron deficiency when oral iron preparations are ineffective, cannot be used, or are not tolerated.
• Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia where intravenous iron replacement is clinically appropriate.

The dose of Ferric Carboxymaltose is individualised according to body weight, haemoglobin level, iron deficit, and the prescribing information for the specific product. It is given by intravenous injection or infusion by a trained healthcare professional. The doctor will decide the amount, dilution if needed, infusion rate, and whether repeat dosing is required. Blood tests such as haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and phosphate may be checked before and after treatment.

• Common effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, flushing, injection-site pain or irritation, and temporary changes in taste.
• Blood pressure may rise during or shortly after administration.
• Low blood phosphate can occur and may be serious or prolonged, especially after repeated doses.
• Serious but uncommon reactions include severe allergy or anaphylaxis, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, fainting, and swelling of the face or throat.
• Leakage outside the vein may cause skin irritation and long-lasting brown discoloration at the injection site.

Use caution in people with a history of drug allergy, asthma, eczema, immune or inflammatory disease, liver disease, active infection, high blood pressure, low phosphate, malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency, hyperparathyroidism, or those needing repeated high-dose intravenous iron. It should not be used to treat anaemia not caused by iron deficiency unless a doctor confirms the need. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance, and receive it only where staff and equipment are available to manage serious allergic reactions.

• Oral iron may have reduced absorption when given around the same time as intravenous iron; the doctor may advise when to restart oral iron after treatment.
• Other iron-containing products can increase the risk of iron overload if used without monitoring.
• Tell the doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements, especially phosphate-lowering medicines or drugs affecting mineral balance.
• No important food interaction is expected because Ferric Carboxymaltose is given intravenously.

• Known hypersensitivity to ferric carboxymaltose, the product ingredients, or previous serious reaction to any parenteral iron product.
• Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency.
• Evidence of iron overload or disorders of iron utilisation.

During pregnancy, Ferric Carboxymaltose should be used only when clearly needed and prescribed after assessing benefits and risks; intravenous iron is generally avoided in the first trimester unless the doctor considers it essential. Maternal allergic reactions can affect the fetus, so monitoring is important. Small amounts of iron may pass into breast milk, and clinically significant effects in breastfed infants are not expected, but breastfeeding mothers should use it only on medical advice.

Store according to the product label, usually at controlled room temperature and protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children. Use only if the vial or ampoule is intact and the solution is free from visible particles; opened or prepared infusion should be used as directed by healthcare professionals.