Description: Iron Ferric Carboxy Maltose is an iron (III)-hydroxide carbohydrate complex. It’s an injectable, non-dextran intravenous iron preparation designed to replenish iron stores in the body. Unlike oral iron supplements, it is administered directly into a vein, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing side effects like constipation and nausea.

Indications: This medication is used for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults and children (typically ages 1 and older). It is particularly indicated for patients who:

• Have had an unsatisfactory response to oral iron supplements.
• Cannot tolerate oral iron due to side effects.
• Have non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.
• Have iron deficiency with mild-to-moderate heart failure to improve exercise capacity.

Mechanism of Action: Iron Ferric Carboxy Maltose works by delivering iron directly into the bloodstream. The carbohydrate shell of the complex protects the iron from being released too quickly, preventing free iron toxicity. The iron is then taken up by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. From there, it is used to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and is also stored in the body as ferritin, an iron-storage protein. This process efficiently replenishes the body’s iron stores and increases hemoglobin levels.