Ferric carboxymaltose (
Ferinject(®),
Injectafer(®)) is an intravenous
iron preparation approved in numerous countries for the treatment of
iron deficiency. A single high dose of
ferric carboxymaltose (up to 750 mg of
iron in the US and 1,000 mg of
iron in the EU) can be infused in a short time frame (15 min). Consequently, fewer doses of
ferric carboxymaltose may be needed to replenish
iron stores compared with some other intravenous
iron preparations (e.g.
iron sucrose).
Ferric carboxymaltose improved self-reported patient global assessment, New York Heart Association functional class and exercise capacity in patients with chronic
heart failure and
iron deficiency in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials (FAIR-HF and CONFIRM-HF). In other randomized controlled trials,
ferric carboxymaltose replenished
iron stores and corrected anaemia in various populations with
iron-deficiency anaemia, including patients with
chronic kidney disease,
inflammatory bowel disease or heavy
uterine bleeding, postpartum
iron-deficiency anaemia and perioperative anaemia. Intravenous
ferric carboxymaltose was generally well tolerated, with a low risk of
hypersensitivity reactions. It was generally better tolerated than oral
ferrous sulfate, mainly reflecting a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. The most common laboratory abnormality seen in
ferric carboxymaltose recipients was transient, asymptomatic hypophosphataemia. The higher acquisition cost of
ferric carboxymaltose appeared to be offset by lower costs for other items, with the potential for cost savings. In conclusion,
ferric carboxymaltose is an important option for the treatment of
iron deficiency.