Iron Dextran injection

What is iron dextran injection?

IRON DEXTRAN (INFeD®, Dexferrum®)) replaces iron that is essential to the production of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients through the body. Iron deficiency causes anemia with unusual tiredness or weakness, decreased physical endurance, shortness of breath, decreased resistance to infections, or slowed growth in children. Generic iron dextran injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive iron dextran?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood transfusions

• heart disease

• hemolytic anemia

• iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)

• liver disease

• peptic ulcer

• renal disease

• rheumatoid arthritis

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Iron dextran is for injection into a vein or muscle. It is usually given by a health-care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you are receiving iron dextran injections at home, missed doses should be injected as soon as you remember. If it is close to you next scheduled dose, skipped the missed dose and continue your regular schedule; do not inject double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with iron dextran?

If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medicine or dietary supplement.

Other medications that may interact with iron:

• chloramphenicol

• deferoxamine

• dimercaprol

• other iron products

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking iron dextran?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular blood checks if you are receiving iron dextran for a long time.

Make sure you have a proper diet. Foods that contain iron include: whole grains/cereals, dried fruits, beans, or peas, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats (liver, kidney). Be sure to include some of these in your diet each day.

Alcohol can reduce the amount of iron taken in from your diet; avoid large amounts of alcohol.

What side effects may I notice from receiving iron dextran?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• anemia or other blood disorders

• blue lips, nails, or palms

• chest pain

• confusion

• difficulty breathing or wheezing

• dizziness

• hives, itching, or other unusual reaction

• fainting spells

• fever, chills, or shivering

• flushing, sweating, or hot feelings

• joint or muscle aches/pains

• nausea, vomiting

• pale or clammy skin

• seizures (convulsions)

• significant change in blood pressure

• skin rash

• stomach pain

• swelling or edema of any kind, including the ankles, face, or tongue

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• weak, fast, or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in taste (metallic taste)

• diarrhea

• headache

• mild weakness or tiredness

• pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.