Safety and tolerability of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) for treatment of iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease and in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is common in patients with chronic kidney disease and in kidney transplant recipients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the safety and tolerability of the new intravenous iron preparation ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in these two patient groups. Adverse events after administration of the drug were assessed by using a questionnaire. Vital signs and laboratory data were collected before and after the application of FCM. A total of 46 FCM doses were applied to 44 patients (17 with chronic kidney disease and 27 kidney transplant recipients) either as single injection of 100 or 200 mg (n = 42) or as short infusion with up to 500 mg (n = 4). RESULTS: Mild and transient adverse events (metallic taste, headache, dizziness) occurred in six patients. The estimated glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged by the FCM administration. CONCLUSION: We conclude that safety and tolerability of FCM were excellent. Compared with other intravenous iron preparations the considerably shorter administration time of FCM allows to save time and to reduce costs

Ferric Carboxymaltose

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The January 2014 monograph topics are obinutuzumab, anti-inhibitor coagulant complex, macitentan, riociguat, and conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene. The DUE/MUE is on conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene