Iron dextran Injection

Iron dextran injection is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells due to too little iron) in people who cannot be treated with iron supplements taken by mouth. Iron dextran injection is in a class of medications called iron replacement products. It works by replenishing iron stores so that the body can make more red blood cells.

Before receiving iron dextran injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to iron dextran injection; any other iron injections such as ferric carboxymaltose (Injectafer), ferumoxytol (Feraheme), iron sucrose (Venofer), or sodium ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit);any other medications; or any of the ingredients in iron dextran injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and iron supplements that are taken by mouth. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have a kidney infection and if you have or have ever had rheumatoid arthritis (RA; a condition in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and loss of function) or heart or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving iron dextran injection, call your doctor.

Iron dextran injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• soreness, swelling, or weakness in the area where the medication was injected
• brown skin discoloration
• numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
• sweating
• changes in taste

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• chest pain or tightness
• blood in the urine

Iron dextran injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

• Infed^®
• Dexferrum^®

No, iron dextran is not available in generic form.

Yes, you need a prescription from a doctor or other heatlh care professional for this medication.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child iron dextran. iron dextran is given through a needle placed in a vein or as a shot into a muscle (usually in the buttock).

You may be given a small test dose of iron dextran to make sure you or your child are not allergic to it. The rest of your dose will be given at least one hour after the test dose.

Do not use iron supplements while you or your child are being given iron dextran shots unless your doctor tells you to.

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 persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Some people may experience a delayed reaction 1-2 days after their treatment. These side effects 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 persist or worsen more than 4 to 7 days after your treatment: back/joint/muscle aches, chills, moderate to high fever, headache, nausea/vomiting.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur. Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: 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.

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 laboratory tests (including bilirubin, calcium, and clotting times), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.