Types of FDA Approved Iron Infusions With Dosage Table

When it comes to medication and treatments, the term “FDA approved” is always used, and it is recommended to always check if the FDA approves the treatments before using them. FDA approval means that the agency has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks and is safe for consumption. For iron infusions, there are many different kinds that your doctor can endorse, and each one has a recommended dosage.

What are iron infusions?

Iron infusions help with increasing the iron levels in an individual, and this specifically helps people who are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia. Typically, people with low levels of iron are given iron supplements or encouraged to consume iron-rich foods, but these two methods take a while to effectively increase iron levels.

With iron infusions, your body will be able to increase iron levels more effectively and for a shorter period because it provides a high absorption rate.

Iron infusions typically last from 3 to 4 hours per session, and they take much longer than regular vitamin IV infusions. The reason for the slow rate of infusion is that it prevents side effects and other complications from happening.

Another difference between iron infusions and other IV treatments is that the doctor will give you a test before administering the treatment to ensure that you are not allergic to the iron.

What are the benefits of iron infusion?

People suffering from iron-deficiency anemia are prime candidates for iron infusions, especially if they need their iron levels replenished as soon as possible. Women who experience heavy bleeding from periods are also great candidates for iron infusion treatments.

Some people cannot ingest iron supplements orally because they have digestive issues; when this is the case, it is recommended to undergo iron infusion treatments because the iron is delivered intravenously.

What are the different types of FDA-approved iron infusions?

Your doctor can recommend many different types of FDA-approved iron infusion treatments depending on your condition. Here is a link to the dosage table. 

The different types of FDA-approved iron infusions are:

• Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM)

Also known as Injectafer or Ferinject, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 doses of 750 mg for people who weigh less than 50 kgs. For people who weigh less than 50 kgs, the recommended dose is 1 or 2 doses of 15 mg/kg. The doses should be given at least seven or more days apart for both types of doses. There is no test dose required for this type of IV iron product.

• Ferric derisomaltose

Also known as Monoferric or Monofer, the concentration of iron with Ferric Derisomaltose is 100 mg/ml. The recommended dosage is a single dose of 1000 mg for people weighing more than 50 kgs or up to 3 doses of 500 mg given over seven days for people weighing more than 50 kgs. On the other hand, for people who weigh less than 50kg, the recommended dose is a single dose of 20 mg/kg. For this type of iron product, test dosing is not required.

• Ferric gluconate (FG)

Also known as Ferrlecit, the concentration of elemental iron is 12.5 mg/ml. The recommended dose is 125 to 250 mg. Test dosing is also not required, but it is recommended for individuals who have a history of multiple drug allergies.

• Ferumoxytol

Also known as Feraheme or Rienso, the concentration of elemental iron is 30 mg/ml. The recommended dosage is a single dose of 1020 mg or two doses of 510 mg, which are given 3 to 8 days apart. Test dosing is not required.

• Iron dextran

Also known as InFeD, Dexiron, or CosmoFer, the concentration of elemental iron with this iron product is 50 mg/ml. The recommended dose is a single dose of 1000 mg diluted in 250 ml normal saline given over 1 hour or multiple doses of 100 mg. With this iron product, test dosing is recommended with up to 25 mg or 1.5 ml prior to undertaking treatment.

• Iron sucrose

Also known as Venofer, the concentration of elemental iron is 20 mg/ml, and the recommended dosage is multiple doses of 100 to 300 mg. Test dosing is not required, but it is recommended for patients who have a history of multiple drug allergies.

Why is it important to consult with a doctor when thinking about iron infusions?

Consulting with a doctor is important, especially when it comes to iron infusions because self-diagnosing can be detrimental to your health. A doctor will be able to look at your whole medical history and assess your current health conditions in order to make a proper recommendation. The recommended treatment plan can vary from short to extended periods of time, depending on the severity of your condition.

A doctor will also be able to pinpoint if there are underlying health conditions that are the root cause of the iron deficiency.

• Who Should Get An Iron Infusion?
• The Top 6 Iron Infusion Benefits
• How Effective is an Iron Infusion For Anemia?
• The Top 5 Foods and Drinks Rich With Iron
• Iron Infusion Side Effects and Risks