Comparative efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of postpartum iron deficiency anemia.

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of iron carboxymaltose with ferrous sulfate to treat iron deficiency anemia in the post partum.

Methods: Patients were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive iron carboxymaltose (up to 3 weekly doses of 1000 mg maximum, applied in 15 min; n=227) or ferrous sulfate (100 mg twice daily, 12 weeks; n=117). Changes in hemoglobin and iron stores up to week 12 were analyzed.