Description:

Haem Up Injection (by Cadila Pharmaceuticals, often labelled as Haem UP Injection) is an injectable iron preparation used to treat iron deficiency anaemia when oral iron is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or not feasible (e.g., severe anaemia, malabsorption, chronic kidney disease, or rapid iron repletion needed). It replenishes iron stores, increases haemoglobin levels, improves oxygen delivery to tissues, and reduces symptoms like fatigue and weakness. It is administered intravenously or intramuscularly under medical supervision. In Ghana (Accra), Haem Up Injection (typically 20mg/ml elemental iron in 5ml ampoules) is a prescription product available in pharmacies/hospitals for anaemia management, especially in pregnancy, CKD, or post-surgical cases.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered by healthcare professionals in clinical settings—hospitals or clinics—due to injection route and risk of hypersensitivity reactions; not for self-administration or OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Parenteral Iron Preparation / Haematinic Agent (Intravenous iron replacement for iron deficiency anaemia.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Iron sucrose (iron (III) hydroxide sucrose complex) equivalent to elemental iron 20 mg per ml (100 mg elemental iron in 5 ml ampoule). Other ingredients: Sucrose, water for injection, sodium hydroxide (pH adjuster). The solution is sterile, dark brown, and ready-to-use.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: Yes – Elemental iron (from iron sucrose complex; therapeutic iron replacement, not a dietary mineral supplement).

Variant:

• Haem Up Injection 20mg/ml (5ml ampoule; standard vial for IV/IM use). Related variants: Haem Up FCM Injection (ferric carboxymaltose variant for larger single-dose infusions), Haem Up Liquid (oral syrup tonic), Haem Up Tablets/Capsules (oral iron). The queried “injection” is the IV/IM parenteral form.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection (administered only by healthcare professionals; slow IV push or diluted infusion; not for oral use).

Directions/Usage:

Administered only in clinical settings by a doctor or nurse (never self-inject).

• Dosage: Individualized based on haemoglobin deficit and body weight (e.g., 100–200 mg elemental iron per session; total calculated dose often 1000–2000 mg over multiple sessions).
• IV: Slow infusion (diluted in 0.9% saline; over 15–60 minutes) or direct slow IV push (not faster than 1 ml/min).
• IM: Deep intramuscular injection (alternate sites).
• Frequency: Usually 1–3 times weekly until iron stores replenish.
• Test dose may be given first (small amount to check for hypersensitivity).
• Follow with oral iron if needed after repletion.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/transient):

• Injection site pain, swelling, or discoloration (especially IM).
• Metallic taste, headache, nausea, vomiting.
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) during infusion.
• Muscle cramps, flushing. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis), hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, or iron overload (with overuse).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 5 ml (each containing 100 mg elemental iron; often in packs of 5 ampoules; labelled carton with patient information).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, away from direct sunlight, heat, and freezing. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision (risk of severe hypersensitivity—monitor for 30 minutes post-dose).
• Contraindicated in iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), anaemia not due to iron deficiency, or known hypersensitivity.
• Caution in pregnancy (safe in second/third trimester for severe anaemia), liver disease, or cardiovascular issues.
• Test for hypersensitivity before first dose.
• Do not mix with other medications in same infusion unless compatible.
• If allergic symptoms (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) or severe hypotension occur during infusion, stop immediately and treat urgently.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar parenteral iron injections in Ghana include:

• Haem Up FCM Injection (ferric carboxymaltose by Cadila; larger single-dose).
• Venofer (iron sucrose original brand).
• Ferinject or other iron sucrose generics.
• Oral iron alternatives (e.g., Haem Up Liquid/Syrup) for milder cases. Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited (India; primary manufacturer of Haem Up Injection). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies).