Is the body deficient in iron? Everything about Ferric Carboxymaltose (Iron) Injection in simple terms

Do you also feel tired all the time, feel weak, and feel like you are falling apart even after doing a little work? Maybe your skin is pale, your nails are hollow like spoons, and you feel dizzy. These are the symptoms that are commonly seen when our body lacks iron, which is what doctors call iron deficiency anemia. This condition is especially common among women and children in our country. Although this condition can usually be controlled by taking iron tablets, there are times when the iron level cannot be quickly restored with tablets alone. That is when doctors recommend an iron injection given intravenously, that is, this medicine called Ferric Carboxymaltose. So, let's talk about this in a little more detail today.

What is this medicine called Ferric Carboxymaltose?

Simply put, Ferric Carboxymaltose is a liquid medicine that is given intravenously to quickly restore your body's iron levels. It is a very potent iron compound.

Imagine, the red blood cells in our blood are like trucks that deliver goods across the country. The main cargo of these trucks is oxygen. These red blood cells carry the oxygen taken in from the lungs to every cell in the body. So, to properly build this truck called red blood cells, it is impossible without the raw material called iron. When iron is lacking, the body cannot produce red blood cells. Then, the cells in the body do not have enough oxygen, and the symptoms mentioned earlier such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness begin to appear.

Ferric Carboxymaltose injection works by directly adding iron to the blood, rather than taking pills. This allows the body to quickly get the iron it needs and speed up the production of red blood cells. Injectafer is a popular brand name for this medication.

Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Because this is a powerful intravenous medication, it is extremely important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension): If you already have high blood pressure or are taking medication for it.
• High iron levels in the body: Some rare medical conditions can cause excess iron to build up in the body. If you have one of these conditions,
• Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to iron tablets, syrup, or other iron injections. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other medications, foods, or dyes.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant in the near future.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: You must also inform the nurse if you are a breastfeeding mother.

How is the medicine given? What precautions should be taken?

This medicine is not something you can take home. This is a vaccine that is only given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff .

• How it is given: This medicine is usually mixed in a bottle of saline and given slowly into a vein over 15 minutes or more (intravenous infusion). Sometimes it can also be given directly into a vein as a slow intravenous injection.
• Use in children: This medicine is also given to children over the age of 1 in some special cases. However, special precautions must be followed, so talk to your pediatrician about it.
• Skipping medication: If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you to take in multiple doses, it is very important to take your medication at the scheduled time each day. If you are unable to take your medication on time for any reason, notify your doctor or clinic immediately and reschedule.
• Overdose: Since this is given in a hospital setting, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you suspect that this has happened, immediately inform the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice if necessary.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)

Taking certain other medications while taking Ferric Carboxymaltose vaccine may cause unwanted problems. In particular,

• Medicines that remove other minerals from the body, such as Deferoxamine and Dimercaprol.
• Other iron products: Avoid taking iron tablets or other iron-containing syrups without your doctor's advice while taking this vaccine. Doing so can unnecessarily increase iron levels in the body and cause toxicity.

Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you are taking (prescribed by doctors for other illnesses, over-the-counter medications, painkillers), vitamins, traditional herbs, Ayurvedic medicines , etc. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

What are the side effects? Should I be afraid?

Like any medication, this one can have minor or serious side effects. But most people don't. The important thing is to know what symptoms you should tell your doctor immediately if you experience any.

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them.

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