Indications

Injectafer® (ferric carboxymaltose injection) is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older who have either intolerance or an unsatisfactory response to oral iron, or adult patients who have non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. Injectafer is also indicated for iron deficiency in adult patients with heart failure and New York Heart Association class II/III to improve exercise capacity.

Detecting and diagnosing iron deficiency vs iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency, anemia and iron deficiency anemia are 3 different conditions1

The symptoms of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are often nonspecific and may be underdiagnosed. Some patients may be asymptomatic.2,3

Common signs and symptoms may include4*:

  • Fatigue icon

    Fatigue

  • Weakness icon

    Weakness

  • Dizziness icon

    Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath icon

    Shortness of breath

Other signs and symptoms:

  • headache
  • chest pain
  • pale skin
  • arrhythmia
  • lightheadedness
  • brittle nails
  • coldness in extremities
  • pica (craving nonfood items such as dirt or ice)

The signs and symptoms of ID and IDA can overlap with those of other conditions2,5-7

  • Many heart failure (HF) symptoms can look like ID, such as: dyspnea, fatigue, and heart palpitations. It's important to obtain lab values for key ID indices.6,8-10
*Injectafer is not indicated to treat the symptoms of IDA.11

Consider routinely test patients who are at risk for ID and IDA for low iron stores, even when they aren't exhibiting symptoms12,13

  • ID-specific

2 key indices for evaluating ID8

.Ferritin:

When the body requires more iron than the diet provides, ferritin supplies a reservoir from which iron can be metabolized.14

.Transferrin saturation (TSAT):

Transferrin transports iron throughout the body so it can be used to produce Hb. TSAT is decreased in patients with chronic iron deficiency.15,16

When diagnosing ID8 look for:

Lab Markers Adults
Ferritin 40 ng/mL13
OR
Ferritin, if TSAT is <20% 40-300 ng/mL11

Lab values to diagnose functional iron deficiency (FID) in an inflammatory state†‡

There are two types of iron deficiency: absolute (AID) and functional (FID). AID is defined by ferritin <100 ng/mL and TSAT <20%. FID is defined by a normal or potentially elevated ferritin level (100-300 ng/mL) and TSAT <20%, depending on underlying inflammatory conditions.

Lab Markers Adults
Ferritin 100-300 ng/mL
Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) <20%

For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), FID parameters are ferritin > 100-200 ng/mL and TSAT <20%.
For patients with heart failure (HF), FID parameters are ferritin > 100-300 ng/mL and TSAT <20%.

Ferritin and TSAT are tests for diagnosing ID

3 key indices for evaluating IDA12,13

.Ferritin:

When the body requires more iron than the diet provides, ferritin supplies a reservoir from which iron can be metabolized.14

.Transferrin saturation (TSAT):

Transferrin transports iron throughout the body so it can be used to produce Hb. TSAT is decreased in patients with chronic iron deficiency.15,16

.Hemoglobin (Hb):

Hb production requires sufficient levels of stored iron and adequate TSAT.15

Ferritin and TSAT are tests for diagnosing ID while Ferritin, TSAT, and Hb are tests for diagnosing IDA
  • IDA-specific

3 key indices for evaluating IDA12,13

.Ferritin:

When the body requires more iron than the diet provides, ferritin supplies a reservoir from which iron can be metabolized.14

.Transferrin saturation (TSAT):

Transferrin transports iron throughout the body so it can be used to produce Hb. TSAT is decreased in patients with chronic iron deficiency.15,16

.Hemoglobin (Hb):

Hb production requires sufficient levels of stored iron and adequate TSAT.15

Ferritin and TSAT are tests for diagnosing ID while Ferritin, TSAT, and Hb are tests for diagnosing IDA

Normal lab values in healthy patients14,16,18

Lab Markers Normal values in healthy adults* Normal values in healthy children*
Ferritin 40-300 ng/mL (for males)
20-200 ng/mL (for females)
36-311 ng/mL (for males)
36-92 ng/mL (for females)
Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) 20%-50% (for all adults) 15%-44% (for males)
11%-44% (for females)
Hemoglobin 13.5-17.5 g/dL (for males)
12.0-15.5 g/dL (for females)
10.5-16 g/dL (for all children)

*Normal lab values may vary based on patients characteristics, comorbidities, and by laboratory.

Lab values to diagnose IDA14,16,18

Lab Markers Male Female
Ferritin <40 ng/mL <20 ng/mL
Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) <20%
Hemoglobin <13 g/dL <12 g/dL

For pregnant women, use Hb levels of <11 g/dL

Normal lab values may vary based on patient characteristics/comorbidities and by laboratory.
Injectafer is not indicated to treat patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) who are on dialysis or patients with anemia of chronic disease. For adult patients with CKD and anemia, guidelines issued by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recommend intravenous (IV) iron for patients with a TSAT ≤30% and ferritin ≥500 ng/mL. Consult the NKF guidelines for a complete list of recommendations for lab values when starting treatment.11,12

Learn about treatment options for both IDA and ID in HF.

References:

  1. Haas JD, Brownlie IV T. Iron deficiency and reduced work capacity: a critical review of the research to determine a causal relationship. J Nutr. 2001;131(2S-2):676S-688S; discussion 688S-690S. doi:10.1093/jn/131.2.676S
  2. Iron-deficiency anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia
  3. Clark SF. Iron deficiency anemia. Nutr Clin Pract. 2008;23(2):128-141. doi:10.1177/0884533608314536
  4. Iron deficiency anemia. Mayo Clinic. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiencyanemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
  5. Anand IS, Chandrashekhar Y, Ferrari R, Poole-Wilson PA, Harris PC. Pathogenesis of oedema in chronic severe anaemia: studies of body water and sodium, renal function, haemodynamic variables, and plasma hormones. Br Heart J. 1993;70(4):357-362.
  6. Dumitru I. Heart failure clinical presentation. Medscape. Updated June 05, 2023. Accessed March 26, 2026. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/163062-clinical
  7. Colorectal cancer symptoms. Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/symptoms
  8. Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, et al. 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline for the management of heart failure: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79(17):e263-e421. doi:10.1016/j. jacc.2021.12.012
  9. Lam CSP, Doehner W, Comin-Colet J; IRON CORE Group. Iron deficiency in chronic heart failure: case-based practical guidance. ESC Heart Fail. 2018;5(5):764-771. doi:10.1002/ehf2.12333
  10. Top Doctors., United Kingdom. Iron Deficiency. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/iron-deficiency#
  11. Injectafer. Package insert. American Regent, Inc; 2025.
  12. Kotze MJ, van Velden DP, van Rensburg SJ, Erasmus R. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying iron deficiency and iron overload: new insights for clinical application. EJIFCC. 2009;20(2):108-123.
  13. Kaitha S, Bashir M, Ali T. Iron deficiency anemia in inflammatory bowel disease. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2015;6(3):62-72. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v6.i3.62
  14. Ferritin blood test. MedlinePlus. Updated April 2, 2021. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003490.htm
  15. Iron-deficiency anemia. American Society of Hematology. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency
  16. Transferrin saturation. Medscape. Accessed March 26, 2026. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2087960-overview#a2
  17. Serum iron test. MedlinePlus. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003488.htm
  18. Hemoglobin test. Mayo Clinic. Accessed March 26, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075
  • IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION


    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Injectafer is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Injectafer or any of its inactive components.

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

    INDICATIONS

    Injectafer® (ferric carboxymaltose injection) is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older who have either intolerance or an unsatisfactory response to oral iron, and in adult patients who have non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. Injectafer is also indicated for iron deficiency in adult patients with heart failure and New York Heart Association class II/III to improve exercise capacity.

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Injectafer is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Injectafer or any of its inactive components.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Symptomatic Hypophosphatemia

    Symptomatic hypophosphatemia with serious outcomes including osteomalacia and fractures requiring clinical intervention has been reported in patients treated with Injectafer in the post-marketing setting. These cases have occurred mostly after repeated exposure to Injectafer in patients with no reported history of renal impairment. However, symptomatic hypophosphatemia has been reported after one dose. Possible risk factors for hypophosphatemia include a history of gastrointestinal disorders associated with malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins or phosphate, inflammatory bowel disease, concurrent or prior use of medications that affect proximal renal tubular function, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome). In most cases, hypophosphatemia resolved within three months.

    Correct pre-existing hypophosphatemia prior to initiating therapy with Injectafer. Monitor serum phosphate levels in patients at risk for chronic low serum phosphate. Check serum phosphate levels prior to a repeat course of treatment in patients at risk for low serum phosphate and in any patient who receives a second course of therapy within three months. Treat hypophosphatemia as medically indicated.

    Hypersensitivity Reactions

    Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been life-threatening and fatal, have been reported in patients receiving Injectafer. Patients may present with shock, clinically significant hypotension, loss of consciousness, and/or collapse. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after Injectafer administration for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable following completion of the infusion. Only administer Injectafer when personnel and therapies are immediately available for the treatment of serious hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, serious anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions were reported in 0.1% (2/1775) of subjects receiving Injectafer. Other serious or severe adverse reactions potentially associated with hypersensitivity which included, but were not limited to, pruritus, rash, urticaria, wheezing, or hypotension were reported in 1.5% (26/1775) of these subjects.

    Hypertension

    In clinical studies, hypertension was reported in 4% (67/1775) of subjects in clinical trials 1 and 2. Transient elevations in systolic blood pressure, sometimes occurring with facial flushing, dizziness, or nausea were observed in 6% (106/1775) of subjects in these two clinical trials. These elevations generally occurred immediately after dosing and resolved within 30 minutes. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypertension following each Injectafer administration.

    Laboratory Test Alterations

    In the 24 hours following administration of Injectafer, laboratory assays may overestimate serum iron and transferrin bound iron by also measuring the iron in Injectafer.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Adults

    In two randomized clinical studies [Studies 1 and 2], a total of 1775 patients were exposed to Injectafer, 15 mg/kg of body weight, up to a maximum single dose of up to 750 mg of iron on two occasions, separated by at least 7 days, up to a cumulative dose of 1500 mg of iron. Adverse reactions reported by >2% of Injectafer-treated patients were nausea (7.2%); hypertension (4%); flushing (4%); injection site reactions (3%); erythema (3%); hypophosphatemia (2.1%); and dizziness (2.1%).

    Pediatric

    The safety of Injectafer in pediatric patients was evaluated in Study 3. Study 3 was a randomized, active-controlled study in which 40 patients (1 to 12 years of age: 10 patients, 12 to 17 years of age: 30 patients) received Injectafer 15 mg/kg to a maximum single dose of up to 750 mg (whichever was smaller) on Days 0 and 7 for a maximum total dose of 1500 mg; 38 patients evaluable for safety in the control arm received an age-dependent formulation of oral ferrous sulfate for 28 days. The median age of patients who received Injectafer was 14.5 years (range, 1-17); 83% were female; 88% White and 13% Black. The most common adverse reactions (≥4%) were hypophosphatemia (13%), injection site reactions (8%), rash (8%), headache (5%), and vomiting (5%).

    Patients with Iron Deficiency and Heart Failure

    The safety of Injectafer was evaluated in adult patients with iron deficiency and heart failure in randomized controlled trials FAIR-HF (NCT00520780), CONFIRM-HF (NCT01453608) and AFFIRM-AHF (NCT02937454) in which 1016 patients received Injectafer versus 857 received placebo. The overall safety profile of Injectafer was consistent across the studied indications.

    Post-Marketing Experience

    The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Injectafer. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

    The following adverse reactions have been reported from the post-marketing spontaneous reports with Injectafer: cardiac disorders: tachycardia; general disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort, chills, pyrexia; metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypophosphatemia; musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia, back pain, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia; nervous system disorders: syncope; respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea; skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: angioedema, erythema, pruritus, urticaria; pregnancy: fetal bradycardia.

    USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    Pregnancy – Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

    Severe adverse reactions including circulatory failure (severe hypotension, shock including in the context of anaphylactic reaction) may occur in pregnant women with parenteral iron products (such as Injectafer) which may cause fetal bradycardia, especially during the second and third trimester.

    Please see Full Prescribing Information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION


CONTRAINDICATIONS

Injectafer is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Injectafer or any of its inactive components.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Symptomatic Hypophosphatemia

Symptomatic hypophosphatemia with serious outcomes including osteomalacia and fractures requiring clinical intervention has been reported in patients treated with Injectafer in the post-marketing setting. These cases have occurred mostly after repeated exposure to Injectafer in patients with no reported history of renal impairment. However, symptomatic hypophosphatemia has been reported after one dose. Possible risk factors for hypophosphatemia include a history of gastrointestinal disorders associated with malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins or phosphate, inflammatory bowel disease, concurrent or prior use of medications that affect proximal renal tubular function, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome). In most cases, hypophosphatemia resolved within three months.

Correct pre-existing hypophosphatemia prior to initiating therapy with Injectafer. Monitor serum phosphate levels in patients at risk for chronic low serum phosphate. Check serum phosphate levels prior to a repeat course of treatment in patients at risk for low serum phosphate and in any patient who receives a second course of therapy within three months. Treat hypophosphatemia as medically indicated.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic-type reactions, some of which have been life-threatening and fatal, have been reported in patients receiving Injectafer. Patients may present with shock, clinically significant hypotension, loss of consciousness, and/or collapse. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after Injectafer administration for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable following completion of the infusion. Only administer Injectafer when personnel and therapies are immediately available for the treatment of serious hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, serious anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions were reported in 0.1% (2/1775) of subjects receiving Injectafer. Other serious or severe adverse reactions potentially associated with hypersensitivity which included, but were not limited to, pruritus, rash, urticaria, wheezing, or hypotension were reported in 1.5% (26/1775) of these subjects.

Hypertension

In clinical studies, hypertension was reported in 4% (67/1775) of subjects in clinical trials 1 and 2. Transient elevations in systolic blood pressure, sometimes occurring with facial flushing, dizziness, or nausea were observed in 6% (106/1775) of subjects in these two clinical trials. These elevations generally occurred immediately after dosing and resolved within 30 minutes. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypertension following each Injectafer administration.

Laboratory Test Alterations

In the 24 hours following administration of Injectafer, laboratory assays may overestimate serum iron and transferrin bound iron by also measuring the iron in Injectafer.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adults

In two randomized clinical studies [Studies 1 and 2], a total of 1775 patients were exposed to Injectafer, 15 mg/kg of body weight, up to a maximum single dose of 750 mg of iron on two occasions, separated by at least 7 days, up to a cumulative dose of 1500 mg of iron. Adverse reactions reported by >2% of Injectafer-treated patients were nausea (7.2%); hypertension (4%); flushing (4%); injection site reactions (3%); erythema (3%); hypophosphatemia (2.1%); and dizziness (2.1%).

Pediatric

The safety of Injectafer in pediatric patients was evaluated in Study 3. Study 3 was a randomized, active-controlled study in which 40 patients (1 to 12 years of age: 10 patients, 12 to 17 years of age: 30 patients) received Injectafer 15 mg/kg to a maximum single dose of up to 750 mg (whichever was smaller) on Days 0 and 7 for a maximum total dose of 1500 mg; 38 patients evaluable for safety in the control arm received an age-dependent formulation of oral ferrous sulfate for 28 days. The median age of patients who received Injectafer was 14.5 years (range, 1-17); 83% were female; 88% White and 13% Black. The most common adverse reactions (≥4%) were hypophosphatemia (13%), injection site reactions (8%), rash (8%), headache (5%), and vomiting (5%).

Patients with Iron Deficiency and Heart Failure

The safety of Injectafer was evaluated in adult patients with iron deficiency and heart failure in randomized controlled trials FAIR-HF (NCT00520780), CONFIRM-HF (NCT01453608) and AFFIRM-AHF (NCT02937454) in which 1016 patients received Injectafer versus 857 received placebo. The overall safety profile of Injectafer was consistent across the studied indications.

Post-Marketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Injectafer. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The following adverse reactions have been reported from the post-marketing spontaneous reports with Injectafer: cardiac disorders: tachycardia; general disorders and administration site conditions: chest discomfort, chills, pyrexia; metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypophosphatemia; musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia, back pain, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia; nervous system disorders: syncope; respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea; skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: angioedema, erythema, pruritus, urticaria; pregnancy: fetal bradycardia.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy – Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Severe adverse reactions including circulatory failure (severe hypotension, shock including in the context of anaphylactic reaction) may occur in pregnant women with parenteral iron products (such as Injectafer) which may cause fetal bradycardia, especially during the second and third trimester.

INDICATIONS

Injectafer® (ferric carboxymaltose injection) is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older who have either intolerance or an unsatisfactory response to oral iron, and in adult patients who have non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. Injectafer is also indicated for iron deficiency in adult patients with heart failure and New York Heart Association class II/III to improve exercise capacity.

Please see Full Prescribing Information