About

This information provides a guide to the Feraheme Dose Calculator, a clinical support tool for determining the appropriate dosing regimen of Feraheme (ferumoxytol) for patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). It summarizes key inputs, outputs, and clinical considerations based on the U.S. Prescribing Information.

Outputs

After processing the inputs, the calculator provides the following key outputs for a complete therapeutic course:

• Dose per Injection: The specific amount of ferumoxytol in milligrams (mg) to be administered in each of the two required injections.
• Total Course Dose: The cumulative amount of ferumoxytol (mg) administered over the entire two-dose treatment course.
• Calculation Basis: A brief explanation of how the dose was determined, indicating whether it’s a standard dose (for adults and heavier pediatric patients) or a weight-based calculation (for pediatric patients under 30 kg).

How to Use

To use the calculator correctly, follow these steps:

1. Select Patient Age Group: Choose from “Adult (≥ 18 years)”, “Pediatric (1 to 17 years)”, or “Infant (< 1 year)". Note that Feraheme is not indicated for infants.
2. Enter Patient Weight (if required): If the “Pediatric” group is selected, the patient’s body weight must be entered. The tool accepts weight in either kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
3. Calculate: The tool will automatically display the recommended dosing schedule based on the provided information.

Dosing Overview

Feraheme is administered as a two-dose intravenous (IV) course. The specific dosage depends on the patient’s age and, in some cases, weight.

• Adults and Pediatric Patients ≥ 30 kg: A standard dose of 510 mg is administered per injection. The total therapeutic course is 1,020 mg.
• Pediatric Patients < 30 kg: The dose is weight-based, calculated at 17 mg/kg of actual body weight per injection. The total dose is 34 mg/kg.

For all patient groups, the second dose should be administered 3 to 8 days after the initial dose. Each dose must be diluted and given as an IV infusion over a period of at least 15 minutes.

Switching

There is no specific guidance on switching between Feraheme and other intravenous iron products. Clinical judgment is required when transitioning patients. It is important to consider the patient’s iron stores, the time elapsed since the last iron dose, and the properties of the different formulations. Always consult the full prescribing information for each product before making changes to a patient’s therapy.

Missed Dose

The Feraheme treatment course consists of two doses. If a patient misses the scheduled second dose, it should be administered as soon as it is clinically appropriate, maintaining an interval of at least 3 days from the first dose. Consult a healthcare provider to reschedule the administration and ensure the completion of the therapeutic course.

Safety Alerts

FAQ

• What is the maximum single dose for a pediatric patient?
  The maximum recommended single dose for any patient, including pediatrics, is 510 mg.
• Why is weight input not required for adult patients?
  Adult patients receive a standard 510 mg dose regardless of body weight, as per the prescribing information.
• Can this calculator be used for patients under 1 year of age?
  No. Feraheme is not indicated for use in infants less than 1 year old, and the calculator will display a notification to this effect.
• At what weight do pediatric patients switch to the adult dose?
  Pediatric patients weighing 30 kg or more receive the standard adult dose of 510 mg per injection.
• What is the recommended time interval between the two Feraheme injections?
  The second dose should be administered 3 to 8 days after the first dose.
• Does the tool’s output represent the total amount for the entire treatment?
  No, the primary output “Dose per Injection” is the amount for a single infusion. The “Total Course Dose” reflects the sum of both required injections.
• Does the calculator adjust the dose for patients with kidney disease?
  The calculator does not adjust for renal function. Dosing for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) follows the same guidelines. Refer to the full prescribing information for details.
• How should the calculated dose of Feraheme be administered?
  Each dose should be diluted in 50-250 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, and administered as an intravenous infusion over at least 15 minutes.
• What happens if I enter a patient’s weight in pounds (lbs)?
  The calculator automatically converts the weight from pounds to kilograms (kg) to perform the correct weight-based calculation for pediatric patients.
• Is it safe to administer Feraheme as a rapid IV push?
  No, Feraheme must not be administered by undiluted IV injection (IV push). It must be given as a diluted IV infusion over at least 15 minutes.

References

1. Feraheme (ferumoxytol) Full Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 2023.
2. Feraheme Official Healthcare Professional Website. Covis Pharma. Accessed October 2023.
3. Drugs@FDA Database: Feraheme (Ferumoxytol). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed October 2023.
4. Camaschella C. Iron-deficiency anemia. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(19):1832-1843. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1401038