IRON DEXTRAN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dexferrum, INFeD

GENERIC NAME(S): IRON DEXTRAN COMPLEX

Description: Iron dextran replaces the depleted iron stores in the bone marrow where it is used in the synthesis of haemoglobin for the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia where oral therapy is ineffective or impracticable.

Uses

This medication is used to treat “iron-poor” blood (anemia) in people who cannot take iron by mouth or because their anemia has not been successfully treated by it. 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.

How to use iron dextran injection

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 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.

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 visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Warnings

Infrequently, iron dextran for injection has caused severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions.

Side Effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

Flushing
tingling of the hands/feet
shivering
dizziness
tender, irritated, or discolored (brown) injection site

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

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 chest pain or seizures occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur.

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

Precautions

Precautions

Allergic reaction to this medication
Patients with low blood count not due to low iron (e.g., vitamin B12/folate deficiency) or active kidney infection
Patients with medical history 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
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Other iron products may interact with this drug.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including bilirubin, calcium, and clotting times), possibly causing false test results.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

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.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

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.

Brands

Also marketed as

CosmoFer [ Nebo ]