Description:

Iron Sucrose Injection Encifer (by Emcure) is a parenteral iron replacement product used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients where oral iron is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or not feasible (e.g., chronic kidney disease on dialysis, non-dialysis CKD, post-partum anaemia, inflammatory bowel disease, chemotherapy-induced anaemia, or malabsorption). It replenishes iron stores, increases haemoglobin levels, and improves symptoms of anaemia (fatigue, weakness, pallor). Encifer is a sterile, low-molecular-weight iron sucrose complex that is bioavailable and has a lower risk of anaphylaxis compared to older iron preparations. In Ghana (Accra), it is a prescription IV medication available in hospitals and pharmacies for anaemia management, especially in CKD or pregnancy.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered by healthcare professionals via IV injection or infusion in hospitals/clinics; not OTC due to risk of hypersensitivity, need for monitoring, and IV route).

Therapeutic Category:

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

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Iron sucrose (iron(III)-hydroxide sucrose complex) – 20 mg elemental iron per ml (100 mg elemental iron per 5 ml ampoule). Other ingredients: Sucrose (stabilizer), water for injection, sodium hydroxide (pH adjustment to ~10.5–11.1). The solution is brown, sterile, aqueous, and ready-to-use or diluted.

Vitamins: None.

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

Variant:

• Encifer Injection 100 mg elemental iron/5 ml (20 mg/ml; standard 5 ml ampoule). Related variants: Encifer 20 mg/ml in 2.5 ml or other volumes (lower dose for children), or larger infusion bags (rare). The 100 mg/5 ml ampoule is the most common adult dose unit.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) injection or infusion (slow IV push or diluted infusion; administered only by healthcare professionals; never IM or SC).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in clinical settings by trained personnel.

• Adults (iron deficiency anaemia): Typical dose 100 mg elemental iron (5 ml) IV 1–3 times weekly (total cumulative dose calculated based on haemoglobin deficit and body weight).
• Haemodialysis patients: 100 mg (5 ml) slow IV into dialysis line over 2–5 minutes, 1–3 times/week.
• Non-dialysis CKD: 200 mg (10 ml) slow IV undiluted over 2–5 minutes on 5 occasions within 14 days.
• Peritoneal dialysis: 1000 mg over 28 days (divided doses).
• Slow IV injection: Over 2–5 minutes (undiluted).
• IV infusion: Dilute in 0.9% NaCl (e.g., 100 mg in 100 ml) and infuse over 15–60 minutes.
• Test dose may be given first (25 mg slow IV) to check for hypersensitivity.
• Monitor for 30 minutes post-infusion for reactions.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild):

• Hypotension (low blood pressure – especially if infused too rapidly).
• Headache, dizziness.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Muscle cramps, pain in arms/legs.
• Injection site pain/redness.
• Change in taste. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis), severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, or iron overload (with overuse).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 5 ml (each containing 100 mg elemental iron; packs of 5 ampoules; labelled carton with instructions and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. 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 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 iron sucrose injections in Ghana include:

• Generic iron sucrose 20 mg/ml injection (various importers).
• Venofer (original brand by Vifor if stocked).
• Encifer (Emcure brand, same strength).
• Other brands like Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose) or iron dextran (older, higher risk). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd (India; primary manufacturer of Encifer iron sucrose injection). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Emcure or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked in hospital pharmacies).

Country of Origin:

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