The efficacy and safety of current intravenous iron preparations for the management of iron-deficiency anaemia: a review

Arzneimittel-Forschung
Wajeh Y Qunibi

Abstract

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a major health problem worldwide, but responds well to iron supplementation. New approaches are leading to more effective management of this condition. Iron deficiency (ID) is usually suspected in at-risk patients with declining haemoglobin (Hb) levels and then confirmed by measuring serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation. However, regular monitoring of these iron indicators and other laboratory parameters in susceptible individuals may lead to early recognition of falling iron stores and facilitate pre-emptive therapeutic intervention before anaemia develops. Patients with ID are commonly prescribed oral iron preparations because of convenience and low cost. However, the efficacy of these agents is limited by their reduced absorption rate and gastrointestinal side-effects. Alternatively, treatment of IDA in patients requiring erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is more predictably achieved by use of intravenous (i.v.) iron. Unfortunately, the development of serious adverse events (SAEs) from high molecular-weight iron dextran has led to reluctance to use i.v. iron in the treatment of IDA. Similarly, but to a much lesser extent, low molecular-weight iron dextran is associated with...Continue Reading

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