ferric carboxymaltose
(redirected from Injectafer)ferric carboxymaltose
(fer-ik car-box-ee-mal-tose) ,Injectafer
(trade name)Classification
Therapeutic: antianemicsPharmacologic: 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 effects
Iron replacement with improvement in indeces and symptoms of iron deficiency.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Iron released from colloid is rapidly bioavailable.
Distribution: Unk
Metabolism and Excretion: Iron is rapidly cleared from plasma and used in hemoglobin formation. Negligable renal elimination
Half-life: 7–12 hr
Time/action profile (improved indeces)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 1–2 mos | unk | unk |
Contraindications/Precautions
Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity
Use Cautiously in: Geriatric: Elderly may be more sensitive to effects Obstetric: Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk to fetus Lactation: Use cautiously Pediatric: Safe and effective use in children has not been established
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Central nervous system
- dizziness
- headache
Cardiovascular
- hypertension
- hypotension
Gastrointestinal
- constipation
- dysgeusia
- ↑ liver enzymes
- nausea
- vomiting
Dermatologic
- flushing
Fluid and Electrolyte
- hypophosphatemia
Local
- extravasation with skin discoloration
Miscellaneous
- hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis
Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction
None notedRoute/Dosage
Intravenous (Adults ≥ 50 kg) 750 mg, followed at least 7 days later by a second dose of 750 mg (total cumulative dose 1500 mg/course)
Intravenous (Adults < 50 kg) 15 mg/kg, followed at least 7 days later by a second dose of 15 mg/kg (
Availability
Iron complex for intravenous injection: 750 mg/15 ml single-use vial
Nursing implications
Nursing 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 blood pressure 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.
- May cause ↑ ALT.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)Implementation
- Dose is expressed in elemental iron. Each mL of ferric carboxymaltose contain 50 mg of elemental iron.
Intravenous Administration
- Administer undiluted.
- Rate: Inject over 100 mg (2 mL)/min.
- Intermittent Infusion: Diluent: Dilute 750 mg of iron in not >250 mL of 0.9% NaCl. Concentration: Not <2 mg of iron/mL.Solution should be clear; avoid using solutions that contain particulate matter.
- Rate: Infuse over 15 min.
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 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.
- Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
- Treatment of iron deficiency anemia with improvements in hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation.