Ferric Carboxymaltose vs Iron Sucrose - Which is Better?
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread health challenges in India and globally. When oral iron therapy fails or is not tolerated, intravenous (IV) iron becomes the treatment of choice. Two of the most commonly used IV iron preparations are Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) and Iron Sucrose (IS).
But which one is better — for patients, for healthcare providers, and for pharmaceutical manufacturers sourcing the API?
In this detailed comparison, we break down the differences between Ferric Carboxymaltose (CAS No. 9007-72-1) and Iron Sucrose across dosing, efficacy, safety, administration, and clinical outcomes — so you can make an informed decision.
But which one is better — for patients, for healthcare providers, and for pharmaceutical manufacturers sourcing the API?
In this detailed comparison, we break down the differences between Ferric Carboxymaltose (CAS No. 9007-72-1) and Iron Sucrose across dosing, efficacy, safety, administration, and clinical outcomes — so you can make an informed decision.
What is Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM)?
Ferric Carboxymaltose is a next-generation intravenous iron complex API. It consists of a ferric hydroxide core stabilized by a carbohydrate (carboxymaltose) shell, which allows for controlled, targeted delivery of iron to tissues.
Key Technical Details:
Key Technical Details:
- Chemical Formula: C24H44FeO2S
- CAS No: 9007-72-1
- Molecular Weight: 4 gm/mo1
- Therapeutic Category: Iron Supplement / IV Iron Replacement
- Administration: Injection or Infusion
What is Iron Sucrose (IS)?
Iron Sucrose is an older-generation IV iron preparation that has been in clinical use for several decades. It consists of a ferric hydroxide core surrounded by sucrose molecules.
- Administration: In]ect1on only (IV push or slow infusion)
- Maximum dose per session: 200 mg (in most protocols)
- Requires multiple sessions to complete a full iron replacement course
Ferric Carboxymaltose vs Iron Sucrose - Head-to-Head Comparison
| Parameter | Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) | Iron Sucrose (IS) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 9007-72-1 | 8047-67-4 |
| Max Dose Per Session | Up to 1000 mg | 200 mg |
| No. of Sessions Needed | 1-2 sessions | 5-10 sessions |
| Administration Route | Injection + Infusion | Injection only |
| Hemoglobin Rise (4 weeks) | Higher (13.25 g/dL avg) | Lower (11.59 g/dL avg) |
| Serum Ferritin Rise | Significantly higher | Moderate |
| Side Effects | Mild (7.8%) | Mild (10.7%) |
| Patient Compliance | High (fewer visits) | Lower (more visits) |
| Cost Per Treatment Course | Lower (single dose) | Higher (multiple doses) |
| Generation | New Generation | Older Generation |
Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM)
CAS Number: 9007-72-1
Max Dose Per Session: Up to 1000 mg
No. of Sessions Needed: 1–2 sessions
Administration Route: Injection + Infusion
Hemoglobin Rise (4 weeks): Higher (13.25 g/dL average)
Serum Ferritin Rise: Significantly higher
Side Effects: Mild (7.8%)
Patient Compliance: High (fewer hospital visits required)
Cost Per Treatment Course: Lower due to single-dose administration
Generation: New Generation
Iron Sucrose (IS)
CAS Number: 8047-67-4
Max Dose Per Session: 200 mg
No. of Sessions Needed: 5–10 sessions
Administration Route: Injection only
Hemoglobin Rise (4 weeks): Lower (11.59 g/dL average)
Serum Ferritin Rise: Moderate
Side Effects: Mild (10.7%)
Patient Compliance: Lower (requires multiple hospital visits)
Cost Per Treatment Course: Higher because of multiple doses
Generation: Older Generation
1. Dosing - FCM Wins Clearly
This is the most significant difference between the two drugs.
Iron Sucrose allows a maximum dose of only 200 mg per session, meaning a patient requiring 1000 mg of iron would need 5 separate sessions over multiple days or weeks.
Ferric Carboxymaltose can deliver up to 1000 mg in a single sitting. This means the entire iron correction can often be completed in just 1-2 sessions.
For patients — fewer hospitalvisits means less disruption to daily life. For healthcare facilities — faster, more efficient treatment. For pharmaceutical buyers — a product with far greater clinical utility.
AADHAV Remedies manufactures Ferric Carboxymaltose API capable of delivering high-dose iron therapy with consistent quality and stable molecular weight — batch after batch.
Iron Sucrose allows a maximum dose of only 200 mg per session, meaning a patient requiring 1000 mg of iron would need 5 separate sessions over multiple days or weeks.
Ferric Carboxymaltose can deliver up to 1000 mg in a single sitting. This means the entire iron correction can often be completed in just 1-2 sessions.
For patients — fewer hospitalvisits means less disruption to daily life. For healthcare facilities — faster, more efficient treatment. For pharmaceutical buyers — a product with far greater clinical utility.
AADHAV Remedies manufactures Ferric Carboxymaltose API capable of delivering high-dose iron therapy with consistent quality and stable molecular weight — batch after batch.
2. Efficacy - FCM Shows Faster Results
Multiple clinical studies confirm that FCM leads to faster and more complete restoration of iron stores compared to Iron Sucrose.
In a Phase IV clinical trial, patients treated with FCM showed a mean hemoglobin rise to13.25 g/dL compared to 11.59 g/dL in Iron Sucrose patients — after just 4 weeks of therapy (P < 0.001).
Serum ferritin levels — the marker for stored iron in the body — also rose significantly higher in FCM-treated patients. This means not only is acute anemia corrected faster, but iron stores are replenished more completely, reducing the chance of relapse.
In a pregnancy study, the mean rise of hemoglobin was 15.4 g/L for FCM versus 11.7 g/L for Iron Sucrose — a clinically meaningful difference that translates directly to better patient outcomes.
In a Phase IV clinical trial, patients treated with FCM showed a mean hemoglobin rise to13.25 g/dL compared to 11.59 g/dL in Iron Sucrose patients — after just 4 weeks of therapy (P < 0.001).
Serum ferritin levels — the marker for stored iron in the body — also rose significantly higher in FCM-treated patients. This means not only is acute anemia corrected faster, but iron stores are replenished more completely, reducing the chance of relapse.
In a pregnancy study, the mean rise of hemoglobin was 15.4 g/L for FCM versus 11.7 g/L for Iron Sucrose — a clinically meaningful difference that translates directly to better patient outcomes.
3. Administration - FCM is More Flexible
Iron Sucrose can only be administered as an Intravenous Injection. This limits its use to certain clinical settings and requires careful, slow administration.
Ferric Carboxymaltose can be administered by both injection and infusion. This flexibility makes it suitable for a broader range of clinical environments — from hospitals to outpatient clinics.
This broader administration route is a key reason why FCM is increasingly preferred by clinicians over Iron Sucrose.
Ferric Carboxymaltose can be administered by both injection and infusion. This flexibility makes it suitable for a broader range of clinical environments — from hospitals to outpatient clinics.
This broader administration route is a key reason why FCM is increasingly preferred by clinicians over Iron Sucrose.
4. Safety Profile —Both are Safe, FCM Has Edge
Both FCM and Iron Sucrose are considered safe IV iron preparations with low rates of adverse events. However, FCM edges ahead:
- Adverse events in FCM group: 8%
- Adverse events in Iron Sucrose group: 7%
5. Patient Compliance - FCM is the Clear Winner
One of the biggest real-world challenges with Iron Sucrose is patient dropout. Because it requires multiple sessions (often 5or more), many patients — especially in community settings — fail to complete their full treatment course.
In one study, 9.2% of Iron Sucrose patients did not return for their repeated doses — leaving their anemia undertreated.
With FCM’s single or double session protocol, compliance is dramatically higher. Patients complete treatment, and outcomes are better as a result.
In one study, 9.2% of Iron Sucrose patients did not return for their repeated doses — leaving their anemia undertreated.
With FCM’s single or double session protocol, compliance is dramatically higher. Patients complete treatment, and outcomes are better as a result.
6. Cost-Effectiveness - FCM Reduces Overall Treatment Cost
While the per-vial cost of FCM may be higher than Iron Sucrose, the total treatment course cost is lower for FCM when you factor in:
- Fewer hospital/clinic visits
- Reduced nursing time per patient
- Lower risk of treatment dropout (and retreatment)
- Faster hemoglobin restoration (fewer follow-ups)
Who Should Use Ferric Garboxymaltose?
FCM is especially recommended for:
- Pregnant women with moderate to severe IDA
- Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) — non-dialysis dependent
- Patients with inflammatory boweldisease (IBD)
- Patients who are intolerant to oral iron or have not responded to it
- Post-surgery patients requiring rapid iron replenishment
- Patients with heart failure requiring improved exercise capacity
- Any patient where treatment compliance is a concern
Who Still Uses Iron Sucrose?
Iron Sucrose remains in use for:
- Dialysis-dependent CKD patients who receive routine IV iron as part of their dialysis protocol
- Settings where lower single-dose iron delivery is clinically appropriate
- Cases where FCM is not available or cost is a constraint
ClinicalVerdict:FCM is the Superior Choice
The clinical evidence is clear. Ferric Carboxymaltose outperforms Iron Sucrose on nearly every parameter that matters:
- Higher dose per session — fewer hospitalvisits
- Faster and greater hemoglobin restoration
- Higher serum ferritin replenishment
- Better patient compliance
- Flexible administration — injection and infusion
- Lower total treatment course cost
- Slightly better safety profile
Why AADHAV Remedies for Ferric Carboxymaltose API?
If you are a pharmaceuticalmanufacturer or formulator looking to source Ferric Carboxymaltose API (CAS 9007-72-1) in India, AADHAV Remedies Pvt. Ltd. is your trusted partner.
About AADHAV Remedies:
- Established in 2023, sister company of MODASA Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- GMP Certified manufacturer of FCM API
- cGMP compliant facility with FDA-guideline infrastructure
- Highly qualified Production, QC, and QA teams
- Full documentation support: CoA, MSDS, DMF
- Stable molecular weight and microbial & BET compliance
Domestic and international supply — renowned customers globally
| Feature | AADHAV Remedies |
| Product | Ferric Carboxymaltose API |
| CAS Number | 9007-72-1 |
| Certification | cGMP |
| Supply | Bulk / Commercial |
| Documentation | CoA, MSDS, DMF Ready |
| Contact | +91-9106021307 |
| aadhavremedies@gmail.com |
FrequentlyAsked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the main difference between Ferric Carboxymaltose and Iron Sucrose?
The main difference is dosing. FCM can deliver up to 1000 mg of iron in a single session, while Iron Sucrose is limited to 200 mg per session. FCM also shows faster hemoglobin recovery and requires fewer hospital visits.
Q2. Can Ferric Carboxymaltose replace Iron Sucrose completely?
In most clinicalscenarios, yes. FCM is now considered the preferred IV iron therapy by many clinicians due to its superior efficacy, convenience, and compliance profile. Iron Sucrose remains useful in specific dialysis settings.
Q3. Is Ferric Carboxymaltose safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Multiple clinical studies confirm FCM is well tolerated in pregnant women with a favorable safety profile. It is considered the drug of choice for IV iron therapy in pregnancy.
Q4. What is the CAS number of Ferric Carboxymaltose?
The CAS number of Ferric Carboxymaltose is 9007-72-1.
Q5. Where can I buy Ferric Carboxymaltose API in India?
AADHAV Remedies Pvt. Ltd. is a WHO-GMP certified Ferric Carboxymaltose API manufacturer and supplier in India.
Contact: +91-9106021307 or aadhavremedies@gmail.com.
Conclusion
The comparison between Ferric Carboxymaltose vs Iron Sucrose is increasingly one-sided. FCM delivers superior clinical outcomes, better patient compliance, and lower total treatment costs — making it the modern standard of care for Iron DeficiencyAnemia.
For pharmaceutical companies looming to manufacture FCM-based formulations, sourcing a high-quality, certified Ferric Carboxymaltose API is the critical first step. AADHAV Remedies ensures that step is never a weak link in your supply chain.
For pharmaceutical companies looming to manufacture FCM-based formulations, sourcing a high-quality, certified Ferric Carboxymaltose API is the critical first step. AADHAV Remedies ensures that step is never a weak link in your supply chain.
Contact AADHAV Remedies - FCM API Manufacturer India
Phone: +91-9106021307
Email: aadhavremedies@gmail.com
Website: www.ferric-carboxymaltose.in
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