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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 (e.g., hemophilia, stomach bleeding). You may also need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may need more iron if you use the drug erythropoietin to help make new red blood cells.Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to carry oxygen in the body.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Imferon
Uses
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 (e.g., hemophilia, stomach bleeding). You may also need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may need more iron if you use the drug erythropoietin to help make new red blood cells.Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to carry oxygen in the body.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, iron) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- 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.
Storage
- Store this medication at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- This medication is usually injected by a health care professional deep into the muscle of the buttock or slowly into a vein.
- When injecting into the buttock, give the next injection on the opposite side from the last injection.
- Iron dextran can also be mixed in a solution and given into a vein over a longer time.
- Inject this medication as directed by your doctor.Before the first full dose, a smaller test dose is given slowly to check for possible allergic effects.
- If no reaction is seen after 15 minutes to 1 hour, the full dose may be given.
- You will be checked carefully for reactions by a health care worker while 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 dose and length of treatment is based on your age, weight, condition, and response to therapy.
- Your doctor will order blood tests to monitor your response.Before using, check this product visually for particles.
- It should be dark brown before mixing and a light reddish-brown after mixing.
- If particles or discoloration are present, do not use the liquid.Only newly opened containers (vials) should be used.
- Do not keep any medication left in the vial for future use.
Side Effects
- 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 immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: abdominal pain, chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe headache, blurred vision.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: low blood count not due to low iron (e.g., vitamin B12/folate deficiency), active kidney infection.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe allergic reactions, asthma, bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia), heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, heart failure), Hodgkin's disease, autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus), kidney disease/dialysis, liver disease.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 breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is near the time for the next dose.
- In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: other iron products.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting iron dextran.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), "blood thinners" (e.g., heparin, warfarin), multivitamins with minerals.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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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