iron dextran 50 mg/mL injection solution

Generic name:
Iron dextran - injection

Pronunciation
(EYE-urn DEX-tran)

Brand name(s)
Dexferrum , INFeD

Rarely, iron dextran for injection has caused severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions. It should be used only when clearly needed and when a patient is unable to take iron by mouth (oral forms).

Get medical help right away if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, dizziness, rash, or itchy skin.

This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (anemia) in people who cannot take iron by mouth because of side effects or because their anemia has not been successfully treated by it. Low iron levels can occur when the body can't get enough iron from food (poor nutrition, poor absorption) or when there is a large or long-term blood loss (for example, due to hemophilia, stomach bleeding). It is also used by people who have anemia due to long-term kidney disease.

Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to carry oxygen in the body.

This medication is usually injected deep into the muscle of the buttock or slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor. When injecting into the buttock, the next injection is given on the opposite side from the last injection.

Before the first full dose, a smaller test dose is given slowly to check for possible allergic effects. If no reaction is seen after one hour, the full dose may be given. You will be checked carefully for reactions by a health care worker each time you are getting the iron.

Iron injections may be given once daily in small doses or as directed by your doctor. Large doses may be given in a solution and injected into a vein over several hours. Some side effects such as dizziness and flushing may be stopped by giving the drug more slowly. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your age, weight, labs, medical condition, and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Flushing, tingling of the hands/feet, shivering, or dizziness may occur. The area around the injection site may be tender, irritated, or discolored (brown). If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Some people may experience a delayed reaction 1 to 2 days after their treatment. These side effects (such as back/joint/muscle aches, chills, fever, headache, nausea/vomiting) usually lessen within 3 to 4 days if the medication was injected into a vein or within 3 to 7 days if the medication was injected into a muscle. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects last or get worse more than 4 to 7 days after your treatment.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• abdominal pain
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• severe headache
• blurred vision

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• severe allergic reactions
• asthma
• bleeding problems (such as hemophilia)
• heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart failure)
• Hodgkin's disease
• autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)
• kidney disease (such as infection)
• liver disease

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• other iron products

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as bilirubin, calcium, and clotting times), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, iron) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet to ensure adequate intake of iron, vitamins, and minerals. Good sources of iron include meats (especially liver), eggs, raisins, figs, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, and iron-fortified or enriched cereals. Follow any diet recommendations given to you by your doctor.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.