The Basics
What is Ferric Carboxymaltose?
Used to treat iron-deficiency anemia in adults who cannot take iron supplements by mouth.
Brand names for Ferric Carboxymaltose
Injectafer
How Ferric Carboxymaltose is classified
Ferric Compounds, Hematinics
Ferric Carboxymaltose During Pregnancy
Ferric Carboxymaltose pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ferric Carboxymaltose while pregnant
Adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. However, animal reproduction studies have been conducted with ferric carboxymaltose. In these studies, administration of ferric carboxymaltose to rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused fetal malformations and increased implantation loss at maternally toxic doses of approximately 12% to 23% of the human weekly dose of 750 mg (based on body surface area). The incidence of major malformations in human pregnancies has not been established for Injectafer. However, all pregnancies, regardless of exposure to any drug, has a background rate of 2 to 4% for major malformations, and 15 to 20% for pregnancy loss. Injectafer should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Ferric Carboxymaltose While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ferric Carboxymaltose?
Intravenous iron carboxymaltose increases breastmilk iron in mothers with iron deficiency anemia. Breastfed neonates of these mothers appear to have no serious adverse reactions. Ferric carboxymaltose appears to be acceptable to use in nursing mothers with no special precautions required. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Intravenous iron carboxymaltose increases breastmilk iron in mothers with iron deficiency anemia. Breastfed neonates of these mothers appear to have no serious adverse reactions. Ferric carboxymaltose appears to be acceptable to use in nursing mothers with no special precautions required. Pasteurization of milk by the Holder method reduces the concentration of iron in milk by about 6.5%.[1]
Possible effects of Ferric Carboxymaltose on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ferric Carboxymaltose
Iron Sucrose.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Mohd-Taufek N, Cartwright D, Davies M et al. The effect of pasteurization on trace elements in donor breast milk. J Perinatol. 2016;36:897-900. PMID: 27253894
2. Breymann C, Gliga F, Bejenariu C, Strizhova N. Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008;101:67-73. PMID: 18234203
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
