Hypersensitivity reactions to intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in a patient with iron deficiency anemia: a rare case report

Abstract

Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a non-dextran iron preparation recently approved in the United States for intravenous treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adult patients with intolerance or poor response to oral iron therapy. Acute hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) during iron infusions are very rare but can be life-threatening. Adverse events, including immune system disorders (0% in FCM) and skin disorders (7.3% in FCM), are less frequently observed with FCM. On treatment with FCM, the change in hemoglobin from baseline to the highest observed level is about 2.8g/dL. Treatment of IDA with FCM resulted in fewer hypersensitivity reactions. Here, authors report a case of a 23 years old female diagnosed for IDA presented with the picture of adverse drug reaction due to injection FCM given by the physician. The patient was managed with Antibiotics, Corticosteroids and Intravenous fluids and recovered well within 12 hours of admission from this adverse drug reaction. Since such cases have been rarely reported, authors are intended to notify about this potentially dangerous drug reaction due to FCM which is used extensively in the treatment of IDA. Hence management of iron infusions requires very careful and precise observation, and, in the event of an adverse reaction, prompt recognition and severity-related interventions by well-trained medical and nursing staff.