Injectafer Side Effects

Generic name: ferric carboxymaltose

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 30, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Injectafer Side Effects associated with ferric carboxymaltose. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Injectafer.

Applies to ferric carboxymaltose: intravenous solution.

Common side effects of Injectafer

Some side effects of ferric carboxymaltose may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• nausea

Less common

• change in taste
• discoloration at the injection site
• loss of taste
• vomiting

Rare

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• constipation
• diarrhea
• pain or irritation at the injection site
• sneezing
• stomach pain

Incidence not known

• back pain
• difficulty with moving
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints
• redness of the skin

Serious side effects of Injectafer

Along with its needed effects, ferric carboxymaltose (the active ingredient contained in Injectafer) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ferric carboxymaltose:

Less common

• blurred vision
• bone pain
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• feeling of warmth
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• chest discomfort or tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• hives, itching, skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ferric carboxymaltose: intravenous solution.

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Flushing/hot flush, hypertension, hypotension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain, peripheral edema, tachycardia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Phlebitis
• Postmarketing reports: Chest discomfort, pallor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Erythema, rash, pruritus, urticaria
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Flatulence^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Alanine aminotransferase increase
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Aspartate aminotransferase increase, gamma glutamyl transferase increase^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash, urticaria, wheezing, and hypertension associated with hypersensitivity reactions
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Serious anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions^[Ref]

Injection site reactions include infusion site burning, -pain, -bruising, -discoloration, -extravasation, -irritation, and -paresthesia.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Blood phosphorus decrease, hypophosphatemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood alkaline phosphatase increase, blood lactate dehydrogenase increase^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia, back pain, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, muscle spasms, myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, dysgeusia, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paraesthesia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Syncope, presyncope
• Postmarketing reports: Loss of consciousness^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chills, fatigue, pain, pyrexia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Malaise, rigors
• Frequency not reported: Overestimate of serum iron and transferrin bound iron laboratory assays
• Postmarketing reports: Face edema, vertigo^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sneezing
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Bronchospasm
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Anxiety^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Injectafer infusion: How long does it take and how often is it given?
• How long does it take for Injectafer to work, when will I feel better?

Further information

Injectafer side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer