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Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Ferric carboxymaltose may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Ferric carboxymaltose

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Feristark is a medicine that contains iron. Medicines that contain iron are used when you do not have enough iron in your body. This is called iron deficiency. Feristark is used to treat iron deficiency when:

  • oral iron is not effective enough
  • you cannot tolerate oral iron
  • your doctor decides you need iron very quickly to build up your iron stores. The doctor will determine whether you have iron deficiency by performing a blood test.

Other medicines and Feristark

Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription. If Feristark is given together with oral iron preparations, then these oral preparations could be less efficient. Pregnancy

There is limited data from the use of ferric carboxymaltose in pregnant women. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby. If you become pregnant during treatment, you must ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor will decide whether or not you should be given this medicine. Breast-feeding

If you are breast-feeding, ask your doctor for advice before you are given Feristark. It is unlikely that Feristark represents a risk to the nursing child. Driving and using machines

Feristark is unlikely to impair the ability to drive or operate machines. Feristark contains sodium

Vial with 2 mL dispersion: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. Vial with 10 mL dispersion: This medicine contains up to 46 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each vial. This is equivalent to 2.3% of the recommended maximum dietary daily intake of sodium for an adult. Vial with 20 mL dispersion: This medicine contains up to 92 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each vial. This is equivalent to equivalent to 4.6% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.

3. How Feristark is administered

What you need to know before you take it

e Feristark

Your doctor will decide how much Feristark to give you, how often you need it and for how long. Your doctor will perform a blood test to determine the dose you need.

You must not receive Feristark if you:

Adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older

  • are allergic (hypersensitive) to ferric carboxymaltose or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
  • have experienced serious allergic (hypersensitive) reactions to other injectable iron preparations
  • have anaemia not caused by iron deficiency
  • have an iron overload (too much iron in your body) or disturbances in the utilisation of iron. Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or nurse before receiving Feristark if you:

  • have a history of medicine allergy
  • have systemic lupus erythematosus
  • have rheumatoid arthritis
  • have severe asthma, eczema or other allergies
  • have an infection
  • have liver disorders
  • have or have had low levels of phosphate in the blood.

Your doctor or nurse will administer Feristark undiluted by injection, diluted by infusion, or during dialysis,:

  • By injection, you may receive up to 20 ml of Feristark, corresponding to 1,000 mg of iron, once a week directly into the vein.
  • By infusion, you may receive up to 20 ml of Feristark, corresponding to 1,000 mg of iron, once a week directly into the vein. Because Feristark is diluted with sodium chloride solution for the infusion, it may have a volume of up to 250 ml and appear as a brown solution.
  • If you are on dialysis, you may receive Feristark during a haemodialysis session via the dialyser. Children and adolescents aged 1 to 13 years

Your doctor or nurse will administer Feristark undiluted by injection, or diluted by infusion:

  • Your child will receive Feristark directly into the vein. It will appear as a brown solution.
  • If your child is on dialysis, Feristark should not be administered.

Incorrect administration of Feristark may cause leakage of the product at the administration site, which may lead to irritation of the skin and potentially long lasting brown discolouration at the site of administration. The administration must be stopped immediately when this occurs.

Feristark will be administered in a structure where immunoallergic events can receive appropriate and prompt treatment. You will be observed for at least 30 minutes by your doctor or nurse after each administration.

Children

As this medicine will be given to you by trained medical staff it is not likely that you will be given too much of this medicine.

Feristark should not be given to children under 1 year of age.

If you receive more Feristark than you should

Overdose can cause accumulation of iron in your body. Your doctor will monitor iron parameters to avoid iron accumulation.

Ask your doctor for more information.

4. Possible side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects:

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms that may indicate a serious allergic reaction: rash (e.g. hives), itching, difficulty breathing, wheezing and/or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or body, and chest pain which can be a sign of a potentially serious allergic reaction called Kounis syndrome. In some patients these allergic reactions (affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people) may become severe or life-threatening (known as anaphylactic reactions) and can be associated with heart and circulation problems and loss of consciousness. Tell your doctor if you develop worsening of tiredness, muscle or bone pain (pain in your arms or legs, joints or back). That may be a sign of a decrease in blood phosphorus which might cause your bones to become soft (osteomalacia). This condition may sometimes lead to bone fractures. Your doctor may also check the levels of phosphate in your blood, especially if you need a number of treatments with iron over time. Your doctor is aware of these possible side effects and will monitor you during and after the administration of Feristark. Other side effects that you should tell your doctor about if they become serious:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): headache, dizziness, feeling hot (flushing), high blood pressure, nausea and injection/infusion site reactions (see also section 2).

Reporting of side effects

How to store it

Feristark Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25oC. For storage conditions after dilution or first preparation of the vial for usage of the medicine, see section "The following information is intended for health care professionals only". Feristark will normally be stored for you by your doctor or the hospital.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Feristark contains

The active substance is ferric carboxymaltose, an iron carbohydrate compound. The concentration of iron present in the product is 50 mg per millilitre. Each vial of 2 mL contains 100 mg iron (as ferric carboxymaltose). Each vial of 10 mL contains 500 mg iron (as ferric carboxymaltose). Each vial of 20 mL contains 1,000 mg iron (as ferric carboxymaltose). The other ingredients are sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment), and water for injections.

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): numbness, tingling or prickling sensation on the skin, a change in your taste sensation, high heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, itching, hives, redness of the skin, rash, muscle-, joint -and/or back pain, pain in arms or legs, muscle spasms, fever, tiredness, chest pain, swelling of the hands and/or the feet, chills and a general feeling of discomfort.

What Feristark looks like and contents of the pack

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): inflammation of a vein, anxiety, fainting, feeling faint, wheeze, excessive wind (flatulence), rapid swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in breathing, paleness, and skin discoloration at other areas of the body than the administration site.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): loss of consciousness and swelling of the face. Flu-like illness (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) may occur a few hours to several days after injection and is typically characterised by symptoms such as high temperature, and aches and pains in muscles and joints. Some blood parameters may change temporarily, which could be detected in laboratory tests. The following change in blood parameters is common: decrease in blood phosphorus. The following changes in blood parameters are uncommon: increase in certain liver enzymes called alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and increase in an enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase.

Feristark is a dark brown, non-transparent dispersion for injection/infusion. Feristark is supplied in glass vials containing:

  • 2 ml dispersion. Available in pack sizes of 1, 2 and 5 vials.
  • 10 ml dispersion. Available in pack sizes of 1, 2 and 5 vials.
  • 20 ml dispersion. Available in a pack size of 1 vial. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Teva UK Limited, Ridings Point, Whistler Drive, Castleford, WF10 5HX, United Kingdom Manufacturer: PLIVA Hrvatska d.o.o. (PLIVA Croatia Ltd.), Prilaz baruna Filipovica 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia This leaflet was last revised in January 2026. PL 00289/2541

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The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions during and following each administration of Feristark. Feristark should only be administered when staff trained to evaluate and manage anaphylactic reactions is immediately available, in an environment where full resuscitation facilities can be assured. The patient should be observed for adverse effects for at least 30 minutes following each Feristark administration.

Children and adolescents aged 1 to 13 years

A single Feristark administration should not exceed:

  • 15 mg iron/kg body weight
  • 750 mg of iron (15 mL Feristark) The maximum recommended cumulative dose of Feristark is 750 mg of iron (15 ml Feristark) per week. If the total iron need is higher, then the administration of an additional dose should be a minimum of 7 days apart from the first dose.

Step 1: Determination of the iron need

Children below 1 year of age

The individual iron need for repletion using Feristark is determined based on the patient's body weight and haemoglobin (Hb) level. Refer to Table 1 for determination of the total iron need. 2 doses may be required to replenish the total iron need, see Step 2 for the maximum individual iron doses.

Feristark is not recommended for use in children under 1 year of age.

Table 1: Determination of the total iron need Hb Patient body weight g/dL mmol/L Below 35 kg 35 kg to <70 kg 70 kg and above 1,500 mg 2,000 mg <10 <6.2 30 mg/kg body weight 10 to <14 6.2 to <8.7 15 mg/kg body 1,000 mg 1,500 mg weight 15 mg/kg body ≥14 ≥8.7 500 mg 500 mg weight Step 2: Calculation and administration of the maximum individual iron dose(s)

Based on the total iron need determined above the appropriate dose(s) of Feristark should be administered taking into consideration the following: Adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older

A single Feristark administration should not exceed:

  • 15 mg iron/kg body weight (intravenous injection) or 20 mg iron/kg body weight (intravenous infusion)
  • 1,000 mg of iron (20 ml Feristark) The maximum recommended cumulative dose of Feristark is 1,000 mg of iron (20 ml Feristark) per week. If the total iron need is higher, then the administration of an additional dose should be a minimum of 7 days apart from the first dose.

Patients with haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease

In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, a single maximum daily dose of 200 mg iron should not be exceeded in haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients. In children aged 1 to 13 years with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis Feristark is not recommended for use. Method of administration

Feristark must only be administered by the intravenous route: by injection, by infusion, or during a haemodialysis session undiluted directly into the venous limb of the dialyser. Feristark must not be administered by the subcutaneous or intramuscular route. Inspect vials visually for sediment and damage before use. Use only those containing sediment-free, homogeneous dispersion. Each vial of Feristark is intended for single use only. Caution should be exercised to avoid paravenous leakage when administering Feristark. Paravenous leakage of Feristark at the administration site may lead to irritation of the skin and potentially long lasting brown discolouration at the site of administration. In case of paravenous leakage, the administration of Feristark must be stopped immediately. Intravenous injection

Feristark may be administered by intravenous injection using undiluted dispersion. In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, the maximum

single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 1,000 mg of iron. In children aged 1 to 13 years, the maximum single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 750 mg of iron. The administration rates are as shown in Table 2: Table 2: Administration rates for intravenous injection of Feristark Volume of Feristark Equivalent iron dose Administration rate / required Minimum administration time 2 to 4 ml

100 to 200 mg

No minimal prescribed time

>4 to 10 ml

>200 to 500 mg

100 mg iron/min

>10 to 20 ml

>500 to 1,000 mg

15 minutes

Intravenous infusion

Feristark may be administered by intravenous infusion, in which case it must be diluted. In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, the maximum single dose is 20 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 1,000 mg of iron. In children aged 1 to 13 years, the maximum single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 750 mg of iron. For infusion, Feristark must only be diluted in sterile 0.9% m/V sodium chloride solution as shown in Table 3. Note: for stability reasons, Feristark should not be diluted to concentrations less than 2 mg iron/ml (not including the volume of the ferric carboxymaltose dispersion). Table 3: Dilution plan of Feristark for intravenous infusion Minimum Equivalent iron Maximum Volume of dose amount of sterile administration Feristark time 0.9% m/V sodium required chloride solution 2 to 4 ml 100 to 200 mg 50 ml No minimal prescribed time >4 to 10 ml

>200 to 500 mg

100 ml

6 minutes

>10 to 20 ml

>500 to 1,000 mg

250 ml

15 minutes

Monitoring measures Re-assessment should be performed by the clinician based on the individual patient's condition. The Hb level should be re-assessed no earlier than 4 weeks post final Feristark administration to allow adequate time for erythropoiesis and iron utilisation. In the event the patient requires further iron repletion, the iron need should be recalculated using Table 1 above. Incompatibilities The absorption of oral iron is reduced when administered concomitantly with parenteral iron preparations. Therefore, if required, oral iron therapy should not be started for at least 5 days after the last administration of Feristark. Overdose Administration of Feristark in quantities exceeding the amount needed to correct iron deficit at the time of administration may lead to accumulation of iron in storage sites eventually leading to haemosiderosis. Monitoring of iron parameters such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation may assist in recognising iron accumulation. If iron accumulation has occurred, treat according to standard medical practice, e.g. consider the use of an iron chelator. In-use stability Shelf life after first preparation of the vial for usage: From a microbiological point of view, unless the procedure for preparing the vial for usage precludes the risk of microbial contamination, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user. Shelf life after dilution with sterile 0.9% m/V sodium chloride solution: Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 15 to 25°C. From a microbiological point of view the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 15 to 25°C, unless dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.

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Frequently asked questions about Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion

How do I take Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion?

Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion comes as injection containing 50mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion?

The active substance in Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion is ferric carboxymaltose.

Are there equivalent medicines to Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Ferinject 50 mg iron/mL dispersion for injection/infusion.. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Feristark 50 mg iron/ml Dispersion for Injection/Infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Ferric carboxymaltose (2 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Feristark is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency when (see section 5.1):

• oral iron preparations are ineffective.

• oral iron preparations cannot be used.

• there is a clinical need to deliver iron rapidly.

The diagnosis of iron deficiency must be based on laboratory tests.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Monitor carefully patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions during and following each administration of Feristark.

Feristark should only be administered when staff trained to evaluate and manage anaphylactic reactions is immediately available, in an environment where full resuscitation facilities can be assured. The patient should be observed for adverse effects for at least 30 minutes following each Feristark administration (see section 4.4).

Posology

The posology of Feristark follows a stepwise approach: [1] determination of the individual iron need, [2] calculation and administration of the iron dose(s), and [3] post-iron repletion assessments. These steps are outlined below:

Step 1: Determination of the iron need

The individual iron need for repletion using Feristark is determined based on the patient's body weight and haemoglobin (Hb) level. Refer to Table 1 for determination of the total iron need. 2 doses may be required to replenish the total iron need, see Step 2 for the maximum individual iron doses.

Iron deficiency must be confirmed by laboratory tests as stated in section 4.1.

Table 1: Determination of the total iron need

Hb

Patient's body weight

g/dL

mmol/L

Below 35 kg

35 kg to <70 kg

70 kg and above

<10

<6.2

30 mg/kg body weight

1,500 mg

2,000 mg

10 to <14

6.2 to <8.7

15 mg/kg body weight

1,000 mg

1,500 mg

≥14

≥8.7

15 mg/kg body weight

500 mg

500 mg

Step 2: Calculation and administration of the maximum individual iron dose(s)

Based on the total iron need determined the appropriate dose(s) of Feristark should be administered taking into consideration the following:

Adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older

A single Feristark administration should not exceed:

• 15 mg iron/kg body weight (for administration by intravenous injection) or 20 mg iron/kg body weight (for administration by intravenous infusion)

• 1,000 mg of iron (20 ml Feristark)

The maximum recommended cumulative dose of Feristark is 1,000 mg of iron (20 ml Feristark) per week. If the total iron need is higher, then the administration of an additional dose should be a minimum of 7 days apart from the first dose.

Children and adolescents aged 1 to 13 years

A single Feristark administration should not exceed:

• 15 mg iron/kg body weight

• 750 mg of iron (15 mL Feristark)

The maximum recommended cumulative dose of Feristark is 750 mg of iron (15 mL Feristark) per week. If the total iron need is higher, then the administration of an additional dose should be a minimum of 7 days apart from the first dose.

Step 3: Post-iron repletion assessments

Re-assessment should be performed by the clinician based on the individual patient's condition. The Hb level should be re-assessed no earlier than 4 weeks post final Feristark administration to allow adequate time for erythropoiesis and iron utilisation. In the event the patient requires further iron repletion, the iron need should be recalculated (see Step 1 above).

Children below 1 year of age

The efficacy and safety of ferric carboxymaltose has not been investigated in children below 1 year of age. Ferric carboxymaltose is therefore not recommended for use in children in this age group.

Patients with haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease

In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, a single maximum daily dose of 200 mg iron should not be exceeded in haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients (see also section 4.4).

In children aged 1 to 13 years with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis, the efficacy and safety of ferric carboxymaltose has not been investigated. Ferric carboxymaltose is therefore not recommended for use in children aged 1 to 13 years with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis.

Method of administration

Feristark must only be administered by the intravenous route:

• by injection, or

• by infusion, or

• during a haemodialysis session undiluted directly into the venous limb of the dialyser.

Feristark must not be administered by the subcutaneous or intramuscular route.

Intravenous injection

Feristark may be administered by intravenous injection using undiluted dispersion. In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, the. The maximum single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 1,000 mg of iron. In children aged 1 to 13 years, the maximum single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 750 mg of iron. The administration rates are as shown in Table 2:

Table 2: Administration rates for intravenous injection of Feristark

Volume of Feristark required

Equivalent iron dose

Administration rate / Minimum administration time

2 to 4 ml

100 to 200 mg

No minimal prescribed time

>4 to 10 ml

>200 to 500 mg

100 mg iron/min

>10 to 20 ml

>500 to 1,000 mg

15 minutes

Intravenous infusion

Feristark may be administered by intravenous infusion, in which case it must be diluted. In adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, the maximum single dose is 20 mg iron/kg body weight, but should not exceed 1,000 mg iron. In children aged 1 to 13 years, the maximum single dose is 15 mg iron/kg body weight but should not exceed 750 mg of iron.

For infusion, Feristark must only be diluted in sterile 0.9% m/V sodium chloride solution as shown in Table 3. Note: for stability reasons, Feristark should not be diluted to concentrations less than 2 mg iron/ml (not including the volume of the ferric carboxymaltose dispersion). For further instructions on dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

Table 3: Dilution plan of Feristark for intravenous infusion

Volume of Feristark required

Equivalent iron dose

Maximum amount of sterile 0.9% m/V sodium chloride solution

Minimum administration time

2 to 4 ml

100 to 200 mg

50 ml

No minimal prescribed time

>4 to 10 ml

>200 to 500 mg

100 ml

6 minutes

>10 to 20 ml

>500 to 1,000 mg

250 ml

15 minutes

4.3. Contraindications

The use of Feristark is contraindicated in cases of:

• hypersensitivity to the active substance, to Feristark or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• known serious hypersensitivity to other parenteral iron products.

• anaemia not attributed to iron deficiency, e.g. other microcytic anaemia.

• evidence of iron overload or disturbances in the utilisation of iron.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Hypersensitivity reactions

Parenterally administered iron preparations can cause hypersensitivity reactions including serious and potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported after previously uneventful doses of parenteral iron complexes. There have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions which progressed to Kounis syndrome (acute allergic coronary arteriospasm that can result in myocardial infarction, see section 4.8).

The risk is enhanced for patients with known allergies including drug allergies, including patients with a history of severe asthma, eczema or other atopic allergy.

There is also an increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions to parenteral iron complexes in patients with immune or inflammatory conditions (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).

Feristark should only be administered when staff trained to evaluate and manage anaphylactic reactions are immediately available, in an environment where full resuscitation facilities can be assured. Each patient should be observed for adverse effects for at least 30 minutes following each Feristark administration. If hypersensitivity reactions or signs of intolerance occur during administration, the treatment must be stopped immediately. Facilities for cardio respiratory resuscitation and equipment for handling acute anaphylactic reactions should be available, including an injectable 1:1000 adrenaline solution. Additional treatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids should be given as appropriate.

Hypophosphataemic osteomalacia

Symptomatic hypophosphataemia leading to osteomalacia and fractures requiring clinical intervention including surgery has been reported in the post marketing setting. Patients should be asked to seek medical advice if they experience worsening fatigue with myalgias or bone pain. Serum phosphate should be monitored in patients who receive multiple administrations at higher doses or long-term treatment, and those with existing risk factors for hypophosphataemia. In case of persisting hypophosphataemia, treatment with ferric carboxymaltose should be re-evaluated.

Hepatic or renal impairment

In patients with liver dysfunction, parenteral iron should only be administered after careful benefit/risk assessment. Parenteral iron administration should be avoided in patients with hepatic dysfunction where iron overload is a precipitating factor, in particular Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT). Careful monitoring of iron status is recommended to avoid iron overload.

No safety data on haemodialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients receiving single doses of more than 200 mg iron are available.

Infection

Parenteral iron must be used with caution in case of acute or chronic infection, asthma, eczema or atopic allergies. It is recommended that the treatment with Feristark is stopped in patients with ongoing bacteraemia. Therefore, in patients with chronic infection a benefit/risk evaluation has to be performed, taking into account the suppression of erythropoiesis.

Extravasation

Caution should be exercised to avoid paravenous leakage when administering Feristark. Paravenous leakage of Feristark at the administration site may lead to irritation of the skin and potentially long lasting brown discolouration at the site of administration. In case of paravenous leakage, the administration of Feristark must be stopped immediately.

Excipients

This medicinal product contains 4.23 mg sodium per millilitre of undiluted dispersion.

Vial with 2 mL dispersion: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

Vial with 10 mL dispersion: This medicinal product contains up to 46 mg sodium per vial, equivalent to 2.3% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

Vial with 20 mL dispersion: This medicinal product contains up to 92 mg sodium per vial, equivalent to 4.6% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The absorption of oral iron is reduced when administered concomitantly with parenteral iron preparations. Therefore, if required, oral iron therapy should not be started for at least 5 days after the last administration of Feristark.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are limited data from the use of ferric carboxymaltose in pregnant women (see section 5.1). A careful benefit/risk evaluation is required before use during pregnancy and Feristark should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.

Iron deficiency occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy can in many cases be treated with oral iron. Treatment with Feristark should be confined to the second and third trimester if the benefit is judged to outweigh the potential risk for both the mother and the foetus.

Foetal bradycardia may occur following administration of parenteral irons. It is usually transient and a consequence of a hypersensitivity reaction in the mother. The unborn baby should be carefully monitored during intravenous administration of parenteral irons to pregnant women.

Animal data suggest that iron released from ferric carboxymaltose can cross the placental barrier and that its use during pregnancy may influence skeletal development in the foetus (see section 5.3).

Breast-feeding

Clinical studies showed that transfer of iron from ferric carboxymaltose to human milk was negligible (≤1%). Based on limited data on breast-feeding women it is unlikely that ferric carboxymaltose represents a risk to the breast-fed child.

Fertility

There are no data on the effect of ferric carboxymaltose on human fertility. Fertility was unaffected following ferric carboxymaltose treatment in animal studies (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Feristark is unlikely to impair the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Table 4 presents the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported during clinical studies in which >9,000 subjects (including >100 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years) received ferric carboxymaltose, as well as those reported from the post-marketing experience (see table footnotes for details).

The most commonly reported ADR is nausea (occurring in 2.9% of the subjects), followed by injection/infusion site reactions, hypophosphataemia, headache, flushing, dizziness and hypertension. Injection/infusion site reactions comprise several ADRs which individually are either uncommon or rare.

The most serious ADR is anaphylactic reactions (rare); fatalities have been reported. See section 4.4 for further details.

Table 4: Adverse drug reactions observed during clinical trials and post- marketing experience

System Organ Class

Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare (≥1/10,000 to 1/1,000)

Frequency not known(1)

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity

Anaphylactic reactions

Metabolism and nutritional disorders

Hypophosphataemia

Nervous system disorders

Headache, dizziness

Dysgeusia paraesthesia

Loss of consciousness(1)

Psychiatric disorders

Anxiety(2)

Cardiac disorders

Tachycardia

Kounis syndrome(1)

Vascular disorders

Flushing, hypertension

Hypotension

Presyncope(2), phlebitits, syncope(2),

Respiratory thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Dyspnoea

Bronchospasm(2)

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dyspepsia

Flatulence

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rash(3), pruritus, urticarial, erythema,

Angioedema(2), distant skin discolouration(2), pallor(2)

Face oedema(1)

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Arthralgia, myalgia, pain in extremity, back pain, muscle spasms

Hypophosphataemic osteomalacia(1)

General disorders and administration site conditions

Injection/infusion site reactions(4)

Pyrexia, fatigue, chills, chest pain, oedema peripheral, malaise

Influenza like illness (whose onset may vary from a few hours to several days)(2)

Investigations

Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, gamma- glutamyltransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased

(1) ADRs exclusively reported in the post-marketing setting; estimated as rare.

(2) ADRs reported in the post-marketing setting which are also observed in the clinical setting.

(3) Includes the following preferred terms: rash (individual ADR determined to be uncommon) and rash erythematous, -generalised, -macular, -maculo-papular, -pruritic (all individual ADRs determined to be rare).

(4) Includes, but is not limited to, the following preferred terms: injection/infusion site -pain, -haematoma, -discolouration, -extravasation, -irritation, -reaction, (all individual ADRs determined to be uncommon) and -paraesthesia (individual ADR determined to be rare).

Paediatric population

The safety profile for children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years is comparable with that of adults. 110 paediatric patients received ferric carboxymaltose in 7 clinical studies. No serious ADRs were reported. The reported non-serious ADRs were hypophosphataemia (n = 5), urticaria (n = 5), injection/infusion site reactions (n = 4), abdominal pain (n = 2), flushing (n =2), headache (n = 2), pyrexia (n = 2), liver enzymes increased (n = 2) and rash (n = 2). Constipation, gastritis, hypertension, pruritus and thirst were reported only once.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via: Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Administration of Feristark in quantities exceeding the amount needed to correct iron deficit at the time of administration may lead to accumulation of iron in storage sites eventually leading to haemosiderosis. Monitoring of iron parameters such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) may assist in recognising iron accumulation. If iron accumulation has occurred, treat according to standard medical practice, e.g. consider the use of an iron chelator.

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