Therapeutic Comparison of Ferric Carboxymaltose and Fractionated Iron Sucrose in Iron Deficiency Anemia: Toward Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Section: Research Paper
Issue
Vol. 47 No. 2 (2025): Volume 47 Issue 2
Published
Dec 29, 2025
Pages
244-250

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a widespread hematologic condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels. Intravenous (IV) iron is used for replenishing iron stores. Iron sucrose is administered in multiple low-dose infusions and recognized for its favourable safety and efficacy profile. Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), a newer IV formulation, permits higher iron doses in a single infusion and may improve patient adherence. However, FCM is linked to a high incidence of adverse effects.


Aims: To compare the efficacy of IV FCM and iron sucrose in improving hemoglobin levels in patients with IDA and the number of hospital visits, and to assess the safety of ferric carboxymaltose


Method: In this study, 30 patients diagnosed with IDA at Aldiwaniay Teaching Hospital. 15 patients received iron sucrose, and 15 received FCM. Hematologic response was evaluated via complete blood count performed before treatment and two weeks following the final infusion.


Result: Iron sucrose produced a modest yet statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin levels compared to FCM. Nevertheless, FCM was associated with fewer hospital visits, offering a benefit in terms of treatment convenience. Notably, the FCM group experienced a high adverse event.


Conclusion: While iron sucrose demonstrated slightly superior hematologic efficacy, FCM remains an alternative, particularly in settings where resource optimization and patient accessibility are central considerations.

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Authors

Noor Kareem Wanas

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah

Bassim I. Mohammad

Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah

Doaa Husam Abdulqader

Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Diwaniyah, Iraq

Identifiers

https://doi.org/10.33899/acmm.v47i2.60228
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1.
Wanas NK, Mohammad BI, Abdulqader DH. Therapeutic Comparison of Ferric Carboxymaltose and Fractionated Iron Sucrose in Iron Deficiency Anemia: Toward Optimizing Patient Outcomes. Ann. coll. Med. Mosul [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 29 [cited 2026 Jan. 2];47(2):244-50. Available from: https://mmed.uomosul.edu.iq/index.php/mmed/article/view/60228