From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment regimen for iron deficiency anemia using Accrufer (Ferric Maltol) capsules is 30 mg of elemental iron (one 30 mg capsule) taken twice daily, morning and evening, for at least 12 weeks. This dosage is based on the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anemia in adults, which suggests that ferric maltol can normalize hemoglobin levels in 63%–66% of cases with moderate iron deficiency anemia (Hb >95 g/L) after 12 weeks of treatment 1.
Key Considerations for Treatment
- Accrufer capsules should be taken on an empty stomach or between meals for optimal absorption.
- Treatment duration may extend beyond 12 weeks depending on the severity of anemia and ongoing monitoring of hemoglobin levels and iron stores.
- Patients should continue treatment until iron stores are replenished, which is typically indicated by normalized hemoglobin levels and ferritin values.
- Regular blood tests are recommended during treatment to monitor hemoglobin levels, with follow-up testing of ferritin, transferrin saturation, and other iron parameters to ensure adequate repletion of iron stores.
Advantages of Accrufer
- Accrufer offers advantages over traditional iron supplements as it has better gastrointestinal tolerability with fewer side effects like constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain 1.
- This improved tolerability is due to its unique formulation where iron is bound to maltol, allowing for controlled release and better absorption in the gut.
Monitoring and Adjustment
- The absence of an Hb rise of at least 10 g/L after 2 weeks of daily oral IRT is strongly predictive of subsequent failure to achieve a sustained haematological response 1.
- Regular Hb monitoring is recommended to ensure an ultimately satisfactory response, with the optimal interval being every 4 weeks until the Hb is in the normal range 1.
From the Research
Accrufer Capsule Treatment Regimen
The recommended treatment regimen for iron deficiency anemia using Accrufer (Ferric Maltol) capsules is as follows:
- The dosage of Ferric Maltol is 30mg twice daily 2, 3
- Treatment with Ferric Maltol has been shown to increase hemoglobin levels and improve iron indices in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and iron deficiency anemia 3
- Ferric Maltol has also been used to treat iron deficiency anemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 4, 2
Efficacy and Safety
- Studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Ferric Maltol in treating iron deficiency anemia in various patient populations 4, 2, 3
- The most common adverse events associated with Ferric Maltol are gastrointestinal in nature 4, 3
- Ferric Maltol has been shown to be well tolerated and effective in sustaining hemoglobin levels over a period of up to 52 weeks 3
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Ferric Maltol has been compared to intravenous iron preparations, such as ferric carboxymaltose, in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia 4
- While Ferric Maltol did not show noninferiority to ferric carboxymaltose at week 12, it achieved clinically relevant increases in hemoglobin and had comparable long-term effectiveness 4