Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). The drug is given as an injection into a vein. It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Injectafer while pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Injectafer is a safe option for you.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Injectafer during pregnancy. In studies of the drug, no problems were reported in pregnant people receiving Injectafer or infants born to them. But it’s important to note that these studies were not designed to determine whether Injectafer is safe to use during pregnancy.
Injectafer can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Having an allergic reaction to Injectafer while pregnant could cause a slow heart rate in a fetus.
Although slow heart rate in a fetus wasn’t reported in studies of Injectafer, there’s still a risk of it occurring with an allergic reaction during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before starting Injectafer treatment.
Iron-deficiency anemia and pregnancy
Having untreated iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy has some risks. (With this condition, you have a low level of red blood cells due to not having enough iron.)
If IDA isn’t treated during pregnancy, it could lead to anemia after giving birth. Untreated IDA can also cause early delivery and low birth weight in infants.
Because of this, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of using Injectafer or other anemia treatments while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects Injectafer could have on you or your child.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Injectafer while breastfeeding. Iron from Injectafer passes into breast milk, but it’s not known how much iron a child would receive.
Because some iron passes through breast milk, doctors will monitor children who are breastfed for any changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea. These changes may be side effects of Injectafer.
You and your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while you’re receiving Injectafer.
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