Injectafer Infusion

Patients treated for iron-deficiency anemia by a Northwest Gastroenterology physician who need Injectafer intravenous iron are welcome to infuse at our clinic. Please Contact Us if you would like to discuss receiving Injectafer at our clinic. If you have iron-deficiency anemia and may need Injectafer infusion but do not have a Northwest Gastroenterology physician, you will need to meet with one of our physicians in a Consultation prior to beginning Injectafer infusions at our clinic.

Background

Iron is a mineral that human bodies need in order to produce red blood cells. If someone does not have enough iron, iron-deficiency anemia (too few red blood cells) can occur. INJECTAFER (ferric carboxymaltose injection) is an iron preparation delivered directly into the blood via intravenous (IV) infusion, generally as two 750-mg infusions (measured in elemental iron) at least 7 days apart. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in adult patients who have intolerance to oral iron supplements or who have had an unsatisfactory response to oral iron supplements.

INJECTAFER contains a core of iron (ferric hydroxide) stabilized within a carbohydrate shell (carboxymaltose) that allows rapid IV delivery of a high dose of iron within a short period of time. The total iron concentration within the bloodstream increases rapidly after INJECTAFER administration, providing the human body with iron to make new red blood cells (and thus improve the anemia). The infusions take approximately 15 minutes, plus time to be checked in and discharged.

What to Expect

Prior to you receiving Injectafer, your physician will discuss your various therapy options with you in person, including the expected benefits and possible side effects. If you decide that Injectafer is right for you, your insurance company will be contacted for prior authorization, after which you will be scheduled for Injectafer infusions. Our infusion unit has WiFi, so feel free to bring electronic devices (with headphones) to infusion appointments.

How to Prepare

In addition to discussing Injectafer’s benefits and risks with your Northwest Gastroenterology physician, you should review the risks outlined in the Informed Consent which we will ask you to sign at your first infusion appointment. At your first infusion, you will also be asked to sign the Patient Financial Responsibility form. After your first infusion, the infusion nurse will give you a Post-Infusion Instructions handout for your reference.