Enofer 5mg Injection: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe chest pain or tightness
- Sudden drop in blood pressure with fainting
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe allergic skin reaction with blistering or peeling
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is Folifer 5 Injection used for?
This medicine is an intravenous iron preparation used to treat iron deficiency anaemia when oral iron is not effective or tolerated. It works by replenishing iron stores directly into the bloodstream, supporting red blood cell production.
- Generic Name: Iron Sucrose (5mg)
- Manufacturer: Ethics Health Care Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 Folifer 5 Injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा आयरन सुक्रोज इंजेक्शन है, जिसका उपयोग आयरन की कमी से होने वाले एनीमिया के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है, खासकर उन मामलों में जब मुँह से ली जाने वाली आयरन गोलियाँ प्रभावी न हों या बर्दाश्त न हों। यह दवा शरीर में आयरन की कमी को सीधे रक्त में पहुँचाकर पूरा करती है, जिससे लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं का निर्माण बढ़ता है और थकान, कमजोरी और सांस फूलने जैसे लक्षणों में सुधार होता है। यह गुर्दे की बीमारी, डायलिसिस कराने वाले मरीजों, और गर्भावस्था के दौरान आयरन की कमी के इलाज में भी इस्तेमाल की जाती है। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर या प्रशिक्षित स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में ही दी जानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, मतली, उल्टी, पेट दर्द, दस्त, कब्ज, इंजेक्शन की जगह पर दर्द या सूजन, और स्वाद में बदलाव शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के और अस्थायी होते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में एलर्जी की तीव्र प्रतिक्रिया (एनाफिलेक्सिस), सांस लेने में कठिनाई, सीने में दर्द, तेज धड़कन, निम्न रक्तचाप, और चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन शामिल हो सकते हैं। अगर आपको इनमें से कोई भी लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल प्रशिक्षित स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा अस्पताल या क्लिनिक में ही दी जानी चाहिए, जहाँ आपातकालीन उपचार की सुविधा उपलब्ध हो। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी चिकित्सीय स्थितियों के बारे में बताएं, खासकर अगर आपको किसी दवा से एलर्जी, दमा, लीवर की समस्या, या आयरन ओवरलोड की समस्या है। इस दवा को लेने से पहले और बाद में आपके रक्तचाप और हृदय गति की निगरानी की जाएगी। अगर आपको त्वचा पर चकत्ते, खुजली, सूजन, या सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 Folifer 5 Injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Iron deficiency anaemia in chronic kidney disease","description":"Used to replenish iron stores in patients with chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis, who often have functional iron deficiency.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Iron deficiency anaemia unresponsive to oral iron","description":"Indicated when oral iron is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated, such as in inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption syndromes.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy","description":"May be used in the second and third trimesters for rapid correction of iron deficiency when oral therapy is inadequate or not tolerated.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Preoperative anaemia management","description":"Sometimes used to correct iron deficiency before major surgery to reduce the need for blood transfusions.","evidence":"Emerging"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Restless legs syndrome with iron deficiency","description":"Intravenous iron may be used off-label for patients with restless legs syndrome and low ferritin levels who do not respond to oral iron.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Chemotherapy-induced anaemia","description":"Occasionally used to treat iron deficiency anaemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, though erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are more common.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Iron deficiency anaemia
Also treats: Chronic kidney disease, Inflammatory bowel disease, Malabsorption syndromes, Pregnancy-related anaemia
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Iron Sucrose (5mg) |
| Brand Name | Folifer 5 Injection |
| Manufacturer | Ethics Health Care Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | ampoule of 5 ml Injection (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intravenous infusion or slow injection) |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original container to protect from light. Do not use if the solution is discoloured or contains particulate matter. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of this medicine is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture. Refer to the product label for the exact expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by delivering iron directly to the reticuloendothelial system, where the iron sucrose complex is dissociated and the iron is incorporated into ferritin and hemosiderin stores. This stored iron is then gradually released and transported by transferrin to the bone marrow, where it is used for haemoglobin synthesis. By bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, it avoids the poor absorption and gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral iron.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take Folifer 5 Injection
Strength: Iron Sucrose 5mg injection
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine is individualised by a qualified clinician based on the patient's iron deficit, body weight, and clinical condition. It is typically administered as a slow intravenous infusion or injection. The total cumulative dose is calculated using the Ganzoni formula or similar methods. Doses may range from 100 mg to 300 mg per session, not exceeding 300 mg per infusion, and may be repeated several times per week. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as hypotension and dizziness. Doses should be individualised by a clinician, and monitoring should be more frequent. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is required for renal impairment, but iron status should be monitored closely to avoid iron overload. In dialysis patients, the dose is often based on serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Iron overload may worsen liver function. Monitor liver enzymes and iron studies regularly. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum single dose is 300 mg of iron sucrose, and the maximum cumulative dose depends on the patient's iron deficit. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of Folifer 5 Injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Oral iron supplements | Major | |
| Dimercaprol | Major | |
| Chloramphenicol | Moderate | |
| Vitamin C | Minor | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Tetracyclines | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Oral iron supplements
- Dimercaprol
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Chloramphenicol
- Vitamin C (high doses)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol does not directly interact with this medicine, but excessive alcohol consumption can worsen anaemia and liver health. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake while being treated for iron deficiency anaemia.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to iron sucrose or any component of the formulation","Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency","Iron overload or disturbances in iron utilisation","First trimester of pregnancy (unless clearly needed)","Severe liver disease with iron overload"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be administered only by a healthcare professional trained to manage anaphylactic reactions.","Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported and can be life-threatening.","Blood pressure should be monitored before, during, and after infusion.","Do not administer to patients with iron overload or haemochromatosis.","Use with caution in patients with a history of asthma, eczema, or other allergies.","Avoid use in patients with active infections, as iron may exacerbate bacterial growth.","Do not mix this medicine with other medications or solutions for infusion."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman. Consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can lead to iron overload, which may cause symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin discolouration, and organ damage. Treatment includes discontinuation of iron therapy, supportive care, and possibly chelation therapy with deferoxamine. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is administered by a healthcare professional, so missed doses are unlikely. If you miss a scheduled appointment for your infusion, contact your doctor to reschedule as soon as possible. Do not attempt to self-administer.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must only be given by a trained healthcare professional in a setting where emergency equipment and medications are immediately available. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially any history of allergies, asthma, liver problems, or iron overload disorders. Do not receive this medicine if you have anaemia that is not caused by iron deficiency. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and iron levels during and after the infusion. Avoid taking oral iron supplements within 48 hours of receiving this injection unless specifically instructed. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Pregnant women should receive this medicine only if clearly needed, and under close medical supervision.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more prone to dizziness and low blood pressure after receiving this medicine. Doses should be individualised, and monitoring should be more frequent. Ensure that elderly patients are well hydrated and have assistance when moving after the infusion.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss your iron status with your doctor. Iron deficiency should be corrected before conception to reduce risks to both mother and baby. This medicine may be used during pregnancy if necessary, but only under medical supervision.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be used after surgery to correct iron deficiency anaemia, especially if oral iron is not tolerated. It can help speed up recovery and reduce the need for blood transfusions. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and timing.
🦷 Dental Procedures
There are no specific precautions for dental procedures while receiving this medicine. However, inform your dentist about your treatment and any medications you are taking. If you need dental work, it is generally safe, but your dentist may consult with your doctor.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
You may feel dizzy or fatigued after receiving this medicine. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting immediately after the infusion. Gradually resume your normal activities as you feel better. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is given in a healthcare setting, so it may require you to take time off work for appointments. You may feel tired or dizzy after the infusion, so it is advisable to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel unwell. Most people can resume normal activities the next day.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. Treatment duration is determined by your doctor based on your response and iron levels. If you experience severe side effects, your doctor may decide to stop the treatment or switch to an alternative.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may lead to iron overload if doses are not carefully monitored. Regular blood tests to check serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are necessary to ensure safe iron levels. Iron overload can cause organ damage, particularly to the liver, heart, and endocrine glands. Therefore, treatment should be reviewed periodically, and the dose adjusted based on laboratory results and clinical response.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
First-line treatment for iron deficiency anaemia if tolerated and effective.
Evidence: Well-establishedIncreasing dietary iron intake can help prevent and treat mild iron deficiency.
Evidence: Well-establishedUsed in chronic kidney disease to stimulate red blood cell production, often in combination with iron.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine, inform your doctor. It is generally safe to receive vaccines while on this treatment, but your doctor will advise based on your overall health.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Check for discolouration or particles before use
❌ DON'T
Do not use if solution is discoloured or contains particles
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is administered in a healthcare setting, so travel considerations are minimal. If you are traveling and need to receive this medicine, carry a copy of your prescription and medical records. Ensure that the healthcare facility where you plan to receive the infusion is aware of your treatment history. Store the medicine at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and do not freeze. When flying, keep it in your carry-on luggage with proper documentation.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Improvement in symptoms such as fatigue may be noticed within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take several weeks for haemoglobin levels to normalise.
A: Oral iron should be avoided within 48 hours of receiving this medicine to prevent iron overload. Follow your doctor's instructions.
A: Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and injection site reactions. These are usually mild and temporary.
A: It may be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, but only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is generally avoided in the first trimester.
A: It is given as a slow intravenous infusion or injection by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for Folifer 5 Injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
coheam 5mg injectionMepfarma India Pvt Ltd ₹183.75 20.2% CHEAPER
-
Sulozec 5mg InjectionM.M Pharma ₹220.00 4.4% CHEAPER
-
enofer 5mg injectionSonixa Lifecare ₹225.00 2.2% CHEAPER
-
hg fer 5mg injectionHealth Guard India Pvt Ltd ₹236.25 2.6% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be self-administered at home.
Fact: This medicine must only be given by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting due to the risk of serious allergic reactions. - Myth: This medicine is a quick fix for all types of anaemia.
Fact: This medicine is only effective for iron deficiency anaemia. It is not used for other types of anaemia such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. - Myth: More iron is always better.
Fact: Excessive iron can be harmful and lead to iron overload. Doses are carefully calculated based on your individual needs.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Iron sucrose injection (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Enofer 5mg injection