Description
Injectafer (Ferric Carboxymaltose) is an intravenous iron replacement infusion used to treat iron-deficiency anemia in adults and children 1 year or older. It’s prescribed when oral iron is not tolerated or doesn’t provide the required effects. In addition, the Injectafer infusion treats adults with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease and heart failure (NYHA class II or III) with iron deficiency to help them stay more active.
By entering the bloodstream directly, Injectafer allows the body to immediately absorb and use iron supplements. This is reflected in increased hemoglobin and energy levels, as well as improvement in symptoms related to low iron, including fatigue or shortness of breath.
Directions
Injectafer is a dark brown liquid containing 50 mg of iron per mL. You can buy Injectafer as single-dose vials in the following strengths: 100 mg iron/2 mL, 750 mg iron/15 mL, and 1,000 mg iron/20 mL.
The dosing schedule your healthcare provider decides on depends on factors such as your specific medical condition and weight.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Most adults weighing 50 kg (110 lbs) or more receive an initial 750 mg dose of Injectafer, followed by the same amount 7 days later. This equals 1,500 mg per treatment course. Some adult patients may also receive a single larger dose instead of two split doses. Depending on their weight, it may be up to 1,000. Meanwhile, patients weighing less than 50 kg (110 lbs) receive a dose of 15 mg per kg, given twice, with at least 7 days between doses.
Heart Failure with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Your dose depends on your weight and your hemoglobin level. After your initial dose, you may receive another after 6 weeks, depending on your blood results.
If you are an adult weighing under 70 kg (154 lbs) and your hemoglobin level is under 10, you typically will receive 1000 mg on day 1 and 500 mg in week 6. If your hemoglobin level is between 10 and 14, you may receive a single dose of 1,000 mg. If it’s between 14 and 15, you'll typically receive a single 500 mg dose of Injectafer.
If you weigh 70 kg (154 lbs) or more and your hemoglobin level is under 10, your doctor will typically administer 1,000 mg initially, followed by another 1,000 mg 6 weeks later. If your hemoglobin level is between 10 and 14, your doctor may prescribe 1,000 mg on day 1 and 500 mg in week 6. If it’s between 14 and 15, you're likely to receive a single 500 mg dose.
Injectafer infusion is given in a medical setting by a healthcare professional and isn’t designed for at-home use. It’s either administered as a slow IV push or as an infusion lasting at least 15 minutes. Injectafer can be diluted in saline or given as is. During administration, a healthcare professional will monitor for skin leakage to avoid long-lasting discoloration.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Injectafer is ferric carboxymaltose.
The inactive ingredient is water for injection. Additionally, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid may be used to adjust the pH to 5.0-7.0.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to Injectafer or any of its inactive components.
Cautions
- Before taking Injectafer, inform your doctor of
- Any other medical conditions, such as low phosphate levels, bone problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, heart conditions, liver problems, or current infections.
- All the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal or vitamin supplements.
- Your pregnancy and breastfeeding status.
- Any potential allergies.
- Your healthcare team will monitor you during the infusion for allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, hives, wheezing, or trouble breathing. They will continue to do so for at least 30 minutes afterward.
- Your doctor may monitor for lowered phosphate levels in your blood. This is especially true when treatments are repeated or when you have conditions that affect vitamin absorption, nutrition, or kidney function, as low phosphate levels can weaken or soften bones, cause bone pain, and increase the risk of fractures.
- Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure during each visit since Injectafer may cause temporarily elevated blood pressure. This can be accompanied by flushing, dizziness or nausea.
- It’s essential to be aware that Injectafer may cause some blood tests to temporarily show falsely high iron levels for 24 hours after administration.
Side Effects
Patients using Injectafer commonly report nausea, flushing or skin redness, mild dizziness, or pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site. Headache and vomiting also occur, especially in children. While the above Injectafer side effects are often manageable, more serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, severely high blood pressure, fainting or severe dizziness during infusion, and low blood phosphate levels.
This is not a complete list of all possible Injectafer side effects. If you experience persistent or severe side effects of Injectafer, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Looking to buy Injectafer easily and stress-free here at Canada Pharmacy? All you need is a valid prescription from your doctor!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 15264
Prescription Required
