Understanding What is the Price of FCM 500mg Injection?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Intravenous (IV) iron infusions, such as the one containing Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM), can offer a more rapid replenishment of iron stores compared to oral supplements. However, understanding the cost, and specifically what is the price of FCM 500mg Injection, is complex due to significant variation based on location, brand, and treatment setting.

Quick Summary

The price of FCM 500mg injection varies significantly across countries due to factors like brand, location, and healthcare system. Costs in the US can be very high in hospital settings, while prices in India and other regions are lower, especially for generic versions. Patients can potentially save on treatment through manufacturer programs and careful planning.

Key Points

Global Price Disparity: The cost of FCM 500mg injection (Ferric Carboxymaltose) varies dramatically worldwide, with prices significantly higher in the US compared to countries like India due to different market dynamics.
Brand vs. Generic Influence: The specific brand of FCM, such as Injectafer in the US or Ferinject elsewhere, and the availability of cheaper generic versions are major determinants of the final price.
Hidden Facility Costs: In countries like the US, the final bill for an IV infusion includes substantial facility and administration fees, which often dwarf the cost of the drug itself.
Insurance Coverage is Key: For insured patients, the out-of-pocket expense depends on their specific plan, while uninsured patients bear the full cost, which can be thousands of dollars.
Cost-Saving Opportunities: Patients can reduce costs through manufacturer-sponsored savings cards or patient assistance programs, seeking treatment in less expensive settings, or using generic alternatives where available.

Global Variations in FCM 500mg Injection Costs

The price of a 500mg Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) injection is not universal and is heavily influenced by geographical location, the specific brand, and the healthcare setting where it is administered. Key brands include Injectafer (in the US) and Ferinject (in Europe and other regions), along with various generic versions, which contribute to a wide price spectrum.

The United States (US)

In the US, the cost of an FCM 500mg injection (brand name Injectafer) can be substantial, particularly when administered in a hospital or outpatient center. As of a 2019 analysis, the average cost for an Injectafer infusion was over $4,300 per visit for privately insured patients, though this figure includes facility and administration fees, not just the drug itself. Patient out-of-pocket costs depend heavily on their insurance plan's coverage and deductible. Manufacturer assistance programs are available for commercially insured patients, which can significantly reduce the final expense.

India

Compared to the US, the price of FCM 500mg injections in India is considerably lower, reflecting a different pharmaceutical market and healthcare system. A broad range of manufacturers and suppliers offer both brand-name and generic versions. Online and wholesale pharmacy platforms show prices for a single 500mg vial of FCM (marketed under names like Orofer FCM, Encicarb, and others) varying from under ₹1,000 to over ₹3,500 INR.

United Kingdom (UK)

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) indicates a set price for Ferinject (FCM) 500mg vials for hospital use, which is not the patient's out-of-pocket cost. For private care, the cost is significantly higher. Private clinics offer full treatment courses for hundreds of pounds, and these prices often include the drug and administration.

Australia

In Australia, eligible patients with a valid PBS authority script can access Ferinject at a significantly subsidized rate through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making the out-of-pocket cost quite low for many.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Brand vs. Generic: Generic versions of FCM 500mg are often available at a much lower price than their brand-name counterparts, especially in markets like India. In the US, Injectafer is a brand-only drug, though other generic IV iron alternatives exist.
Treatment Location: Receiving an infusion at a hospital outpatient department is typically more expensive than at a doctor's office or a standalone infusion clinic. Facility fees charged by hospitals can be very high.
Insurance Coverage: For patients with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is determined by their plan's specifics, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Those without insurance will pay the full, unsubsidized price.
Manufacturer and Supplier: Different pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors set varying prices for their products. This is particularly evident in markets with numerous generic options, like India.
Associated Services: The total cost of an iron infusion includes not only the drug but also the administration fee, office visit fees, and required laboratory tests before and after treatment.

Comparative Price Table: IV Iron Products

This table provides a generalized comparison of various IV iron treatments and their potential pricing, highlighting that costs extend beyond just the FCM 500mg injection.


IV Iron Product	Typical Dosage Schedule	Representative Cost Factor (US Market)	Key Cost Influencer	Example Brand(s)
Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM)	Single or two doses, days apart	Highest cost per treatment visit	Facility fees, brand status (no generic)	Injectafer, Ferinject
Ferumoxytol	Two doses, several days apart	High cost per treatment visit	Facility fees, brand status	Feraheme
Iron Sucrose	Multiple doses over several weeks	Lower cost per treatment visit	Number of visits required	Venofer
Iron Dextran	Small doses over multiple days	Variable cost, can be lower	Specific formulation	Infed
Generic FCM (e.g., in India)	Single or two doses	Lowest cost per dose	Numerous manufacturers, market competition	Orofer FCM, Encicarb, etc.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Patients

For patients concerned about the cost of an FCM 500mg injection, several strategies can help manage expenses:

Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs: Many manufacturers, including Daiichi Sankyo (Injectafer), offer programs to help eligible, commercially insured patients with their out-of-pocket costs.
Explore Different Treatment Locations: Discuss with your doctor whether you can receive the infusion at a lower-cost setting, such as a doctor's office or a dedicated infusion center, rather than a hospital.
Compare Alternative IV Iron Products: Talk to your healthcare provider about other IV iron options, like iron sucrose, which may have a different dosing schedule and potentially lower overall cost, depending on your treatment needs.
Inquire About Generic Options: If available in your region, ask your doctor about generic formulations of FCM or other IV iron therapies.
Utilize Online Pharmacy Comparisons: In some markets (like India), using online pharmacy websites can help you compare prices from different suppliers and potentially find more affordable options.
Seek Nonprofit Assistance: Organizations and foundations may offer support or grants for patients facing high medication costs.

Conclusion

The price of an FCM 500mg injection is not a single, fixed number but a variable influenced by complex factors including global markets, healthcare infrastructure, and the specific brand used. A single dose of Injectafer in the US, including facility fees, can be thousands of dollars, whereas a generic equivalent in India may cost a fraction of that. Understanding these differences and exploring patient support programs, generic alternatives, and treatment settings can help patients manage the financial aspects of their treatment. The most important step is always to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about both the medical and financial aspects of your care.

For further information on patient resources, one can explore the programs offered by manufacturers or nonprofit health organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the US, the brand Injectafer (FCM) is used. The total cost of a single infusion can be thousands of dollars, depending on the facility, insurance coverage, and additional fees. For instance, a 2017 analysis showed an average bill over $4,300 in hospital settings for privately insured patients.

In India, the price is generally lower due to different market regulations, the availability of multiple generic manufacturers (like Emcure and Lupin), and lower overall healthcare costs. Prices for a 500mg vial can range significantly, from under ₹1,000 to over ₹3,500 INR.

Yes, most health insurance plans cover intravenous iron infusions when medically necessary. However, the patient's out-of-pocket expense will depend on their specific plan's deductible, copayment, and coinsurance.

To reduce costs, you can enroll in manufacturer patient assistance programs, discuss generic alternatives with your doctor, and explore receiving treatment at a lower-cost setting, such as a doctor's office rather than a hospital.

Generic versions are almost always cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. While the US market for FCM (Injectafer) does not have a generic version, other IV iron products do, and in markets like India, generic FCM is significantly less expensive.

Facility fees are a major component of the total cost, especially in hospital settings. These are separate from the drug's price and cover the operational costs of the hospital or clinic, making treatment in these locations much more expensive than in a physician's office.

Yes, the manufacturer of Injectafer offers a savings program for eligible commercially insured patients in the US, which can help cover some or all of the out-of-pocket costs. Similar programs may exist for other IV iron products and in other countries.