Ferinject Administration 💉
📌 Indication
- Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) is used for the treatment of iron deficiency when oral iron is ineffective or inappropriate.
- Common indications include iron deficiency anemia in chronic disease, renal failure, or intolerance to oral iron.
✅ Pre-Administration Checklist
- Confirm iron deficiency with bloods: low ferritin, low transferrin saturation (TSAT), low Hb
- Exclude iron overload (e.g. hemochromatosis)
- Confirm absence of active infection or inflammation
- Check eGFR — caution in renal impairment
- Check weight (used to calculate dose)
⚖️ Dose Calculation
- Refer to local hospital dosing guide or the Ferinject Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
- Typical doses:
- ≤50 kg: max 500 mg per administration
- >50 kg: up to 1,000 mg in a single dose
- Do not exceed 1,000 mg per week.
🧪 Preparation
- Draw up Ferinject using aseptic technique
- Dilute required dose in up to 250 mL 0.9% NaCl (according to local policy)
- Label the infusion bag clearly
- Ensure emergency resus equipment is available (rare risk of hypersensitivity)
💉 Administration
- Administer IV infusion over 15–30 minutes (dose-dependent)
- Monitor patient for signs of hypersensitivity during and for 30 minutes post-infusion
- Document batch number and exact dose given in medical notes and drug chart
- Ensure IV line is patent and flushing well before administering Ferinject
🔍 Monitoring & Follow-Up
- Observe for infusion reaction (rash, hypotension, anaphylaxis – rare)
- Repeat Hb and iron studies in 4–8 weeks to assess response
- Avoid over-treatment — reassess need before re-dosing
- In case of hypersensitivity reaction: stop the infusion immediately, maintain IV access, and follow anaphylaxis protocol (administer oxygen, antihistamines, steroids, adrenaline as required)