Infrequently, 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).

Tell your doctor immediately 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 (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.

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 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 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.

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, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe headache, blurred vision.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, seizures.

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 (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.

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 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.

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.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. If overdose is suspected, contact your poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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.

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.

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.

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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.