Accrufer (Ferric Maltol): Side Effects, Uses, Interactions, Warnings

Accrufer

Generic Name: Ferric maltol

Brand Names: Accrufer

Ingredients: Ferric maltol

Drug Class: Iron Supplement

Controlled Status: Not a Controlled Substance

Availability: Prescription Medication only

What is Accrufer (Ferric Maltol)? 

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) consists of the ingredient Ferric maltol and falls under the drug class of an Iron Supplement. The generic name for this medication is Ferric maltol, known by the brand name Accrufer, manufactured by Shield Therapeutics plc. Available in capsule form with a strength of 30 mg, this medication is not classified as a controlled substance. Accrufer is taken by mouth on an empty stomach. The recommended dosage is 30 mg twice daily. The usual duration of treatment extends to a minimum of 3 months

Accrufer (ferric maltol) is a prescription medication used to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults. It is a complex of iron and maltol, a sugar derivative. Accrufer is a more easily absorbed form of iron than other iron supplements. This is because the maltol complex helps to protect the iron from being broken down in the stomach.

Accrufer is a well-tolerated medication. The most common side effects are mild and include gastrointestinal upset, such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Accrufer is a safe and effective way to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is a good option for people who have difficulty tolerating other iron supplements. Accrufer is not approved for use in children.

What is Accrufer (Ferric maltol) Used for?

Accrufer (ferric maltol) is a prescription medication used to treat iron deficiency anemia in adults. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, so iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Its secondary use is in situations where there is a need for an increase in hemoglobin levels and iron stores.

How does Accrufer (Ferric maltol) Work?

Ferric maltol serves as an iron source crucial for oxygen transportation in the blood and various physiological processes within the human body. This compound forms a complex of iron with maltol, absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Upon absorption, it dissociates, releasing iron and maltol separately into the bloodstream. Iron initially binds to transferrin, achieving peak concentrations in the blood plasma within one to three hours following ingestion. It is further stored by binding to ferritin. Maltol reaches its peak plasma concentrations within 1 to 1.5 hours. It undergoes rapid metabolism, transforming into the glucuronide by UGT1A6, and is eliminated via urine with a biological half-life of 0.7 hours. Approximately 40–60% of the substance is excreted in the glucuronidase form.

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) Dosage

Accrufer (ferric maltol) is available in capsule form with an indentation and contains 30 mg per capsule. The typical dosing regimen for Accrufer (ferric maltol) is 30 mg taken orally twice a day.

To be consumed either one hour before or two hours after eating. Refrain from opening, breaking, or chewing Accrufer capsules. The length of the treatment will be determined by the seriousness of the iron deficiency but typically involves at least 12 weeks of therapy. It is advisable to continue the treatment for as long as needed until ferritin levels return to the normal range.

For more details about Accrufer Dosage

What are the Side Effects of Accrufer (Ferric maltol)? 

Serious Side Effects

In case you experience the following symptoms, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider immediately. High levels of iron may result in fatigue, weakness, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, and joint pain. In children, an iron overdose can lead to stomach pain, seizures, dehydration, liver problems, low blood pressure, low body temperature, nausea, vomiting (including vomiting blood), diarrhea, dark-colored stools, a rapid heart rate, high blood sugar, sleepiness, brain damage, or coma. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms persist or worsen over time, although they may potentially improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common Side Effects

Gas passing is a common occurrence, reported by approximately 5% of individuals taking this medication.

Other Common Side Effects

Reported by approximately 4% of patients, the following side effects may be experienced: diarrhea, constipation, discolored stool, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort, according to DailyMed.

Additional Reported Side Effects

There are other side effects that may need prompt attention. Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat require immediate reporting to your healthcare team. However, there are side effects that generally do not require urgent medical attention, but should be reported if they persist or become bothersome. These include constipation, dark stools, a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, and an upset stomach.

For more details about side effects of Accrufer

How to Use Accrufer (Ferric maltol)?

Adhere to all instructions provided on your prescription label and carefully review all medication guides or instruction sheets. Utilize the medication precisely as directed. Take Accrufer on an empty stomach, either at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after a meal. Ingest the capsule whole without crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening it. Typically, Accrufer is taken for a duration of 12 weeks. Your healthcare provider may recommend medical tests to ascertain the required duration for using Accrufer. Store Accrufer at room temperature, keeping it away from moisture and heat.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Accrufer (Ferric maltol)? 

If you miss a dose of Accrufer, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If you have any concerns about missing a dose of Accrufer, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What Happens if I Overdose Accrufer (Ferric maltol)? 

Recognizing the signs of an Accrufer (Ferric Maltol) overdose is crucial to guarantee the safe and proper utilization of this medication. Symptoms of an Accrufer overdose encompass confusion, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle tremors, nausea, rapid and deep breathing, restlessness, stomach pain or cramps, unusual tiredness or weakness, and vomiting. Understanding these indicators is vital to ensuring the appropriate use of the drug and enabling prompt action if needed.

In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.

Pros and Cons of Accrufer (Ferric maltol)

Pros	Cons
Not many side effects	It is available in Brand name only and hence potentially costly
Rapidly increases the level of iron.	Requires twice-daily dosing
Proven safe and effective for elderly individuals (65 years and older)	Unable to be taken with food

Interaction between Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and other Drugs

What are the Risks and Warnings for Accrufer (Ferric maltol)?

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and Allergy Warning

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and Alcohol Warning

Drinking alcohol while taking Accrufer may increase the risk of stomach upset and other side effects. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Accrufer.

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and Birth Control Needs

Interaction with the ingredients of birth control pills.

Warning with People with Certain Health Conditions

 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flare

Avoid using Accrufer (ferric maltol) in individuals experiencing an active IBD flare as it could exacerbate inflammation within the stomach lining, potentially reducing iron absorption in the body.

Elevated Iron Levels

Accrufer (ferric maltol) might elevate iron levels, posing potential dangers like hemochromatosis, leading to liver, heart, and joint issues. Regular blood tests are essential to monitor iron levels. Inform your provider promptly if you encounter symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, irregular heartbeat, stomach, or joint pain, indicative of elevated iron levels.

Accidental Iron Overdose in Children

Accidental ingestion of iron-containing products like Accrufer (ferric maltol) is highly harmful to children under 6 years. Keep Accrufer out of children’s reach to prevent accidental intake. If a child consumes Accrufer and shows symptoms like vomiting blood, diarrhea, and stomach pain, contact your local Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Warning with other Groups

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and Breastfeeding

There’s insufficient information concerning its presence in human milk, its effects on breastfed infants, or its influence on milk production. Given the drug’s limited systemic availability, the likelihood of transferring into human milk seems minimal. No observed effects have been noted in newborns or infants of treated patients after oral ferric iron intake.

Accrufer (Ferric maltol) and Pregnancy

Excessive iron intake during pregnancy carries risks such as spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, and fetal malformation. Neglecting iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes including postpartum anemia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. During animal studies, oral ferric or ferrous compounds administered at doses 13 to 32 times higher than the recommended human dose did not cause adverse developmental effects. 

Expiration, Storage and Disposal

Check the expiration date of the medication and discard the medicine on approach of expiry date. Keep stored at temperatures between 20-25ºC (68-77ºF); temporary excursions to 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) are acceptable.

Store the medication in a sealed container at room temperature, safeguarded from heat, moisture, and direct light. Prevent freezing. Ensure it’s out of reach of children and discard outdated or unnecessary medicine. Consult your healthcare provider for proper disposal guidance for any unused medication.

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What are the Alternatives of Accrufer (Ferric maltol)?

• Ferrous sulfate
• Ferrous gluconate
• Ferrous fumarate
• Iron polysaccharide complex
• Ferroglycine sulfate
• Ferrous ascorbate
• Ferric citrate
• Ferrous succinate

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