Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) is a brand-name liquid solution prescribed for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in certain adults and children ages 1 year and older. It’s unknown whether Injectafer is safe to receive during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Injectafer. For a comprehensive look at Injectafer, see this article.
It’s not known whether Injectafer is safe to receive during pregnancy.
In clinical trials, pregnant people who took Injectafer did not have negative outcomes, such as premature delivery or pregnancy loss. Children born to those who took Injectafer during pregnancy did not have major congenital anomalies (sometimes called birth defects).
However, after the drug was approved, there were reports of slowed heart rate in fetuses during pregnancy. Data from reports and clinical trials is limited. It’s important to note that these trials were not designed to show whether Injectafer is safe to receive during pregnancy. So it’s not known for sure whether the drug is safe to receive while you’re pregnant.
Keep in mind that the risk of certain pregnancy-related problems can be increased if IDA is left untreated. These pregnancy-related problems include preterm delivery and low birth weight of your infant.
If you have questions about receiving Injectafer for IDA during pregnancy, talk with your doctor. You and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that’s best for you.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed while you’re receiving Injectafer. The iron released by this drug passes into human breast milk. But it’s not known whether this poses a risk to a child who is breastfed.
If you do breastfeed while you’re receiving Injectafer, the drug’s manufacturer recommends that you monitor your child for side effects of Injectafer. These side effects may include constipation and diarrhea.
If you have questions about the safety of breastfeeding while you’re receiving Injectafer, talk with your doctor. You and your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of treatment options for IDA.
It’s not known whether Injectafer is safe to receive during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about birth control options while you’re receiving Injectafer.
For more information about receiving Injectafer during pregnancy, see the “Injectafer and pregnancy” section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.