Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM)

Ferric carboxymaltose is a non-dextran, intravenous iron replacement agent, comprising a ferric hydroxide core stabilized by a carboxymaltose carbohydrate shell. It is used to quickly replenish depleted iron stores in patients with iron deficiency anemia, especially where oral iron is ineffective or intolerable. After administration, iron is delivered primarily to the reticuloendothelial system, then incorporated into ferritin and transferrin, and ultimately utilized for hemoglobin synthesis. Clinical trials have demonstrated rapid improvement in hemoglobin and iron stores, with generally favorable tolerability. Ferric carboxymaltose is not a molecular target; it is a drug that acts systemically to restore iron

Other names

FerinjectInjectafer

Controlled release of bioavailable iron from a stabilized ferric hydroxide-carboxymaltose complex; Uptake of iron by reticuloendothelial macrophages, incorporation into ferritin and transferrin, delivery to bone marrow and erythroid precursors