IV Ferric Carboxymaltose for Iron Deficiency Anemia: Benefits and Cautions
A new study published in the International Journal of General Medicine showed that for iron deficiency anemia (IDA), intravenous ferric carboxymaltose is a safe and efficient therapy that offers quick hematological improvement and improved quality of life.
Physical ability, mental clarity, and general quality of life are all severely compromised by iron deficiency anemia. For patients who are resistant to oral treatment, intravenous ferric carboxymaltose enables quick iron storage replenishment. By concentrating on patient-centered outcomes and functional recovery, evaluating its effect on quality of life offers therapeutically significant knowledge that goes beyond hematological correction. Thus, this study assessed ferric the effectiveness, safety, and effect of carboxymaltose on quality of life when treating IDA.
In this prospective observational trial, 528 individuals with IDA who were either intolerant to or resistant to oral iron were given IV ferric carboxymaltose between June 2023 and February 2025. The Ganzoni formula was used to determine dosages. Laboratory testing and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were used to measure hematological parameters and quality of life before and thirty days after therapy. A 30-day follow-up was used to document adverse occurrences.
There were 92.4% female participants, and the average age was 41.56 ± 12.33 years. Ferritin showed a significant increase from 6.23 ± 4.38 to 178.91 ± 123.99 ng/mL, while hemoglobin rose from 9.17 ± 1.36 to 13.12 ± 0.82 g/dL (both p < 0.001). 11.36% of patients experienced mild side effects; no significant adverse events were noted.
Both the psychological and physical aspects of quality of life showed notable improvements (p < 0.001). The patients with pre-treatment phosphorus levels less than 3.05 mg/dL and those receiving more than 1750 mg of iron were more likely to experience hypophosphatemia.
Overall, IV ferric carboxymaltose is an efficient and well-tolerated therapeutic option for individuals with IDA, according to this prospective observational trial. It enhanced patients' quality of life in addition to its substantial hematologic effectiveness. More significantly, the positive safety profile of this medication in normal clinical usage is supported by the lack of significant adverse events over the follow-up period.
Source:
Bozkuş, R., Gemcioğlu, E., & Sarışen, Ş. (2025). Impact of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on quality of life in patients with iron deficiency anemia: A prospective observational study. International Journal of General Medicine, 18, 7459–7469. https://doi.org/10.2147/ijgm.s559861
