Iron Dextran injection

What is this medicine?

IRON DEXTRAN (AHY ern DEX tran) is an iron complex. Iron is used to make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients through the body. This medicine is used to treat people who cannot take iron by mouth and have low levels of iron in the blood.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein or a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 months old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blue lips, nails, or skin

• breathing problems

• changes in blood pressure

• chest pain

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever or chills

• flushing, sweating, or hot feelings

• joint or muscle aches or pains

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• unusually weak or tired

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

• change in taste (metallic taste)

• diarrhea

• headache

• irritation at site where injected

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• deferoxamine

• dimercaprol

• other iron products

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• chloramphenicol

• deferasirox

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• anemia not caused by low iron levels

• heart disease

• high levels of iron in the blood

• kidney disease

• liver disease

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional regularly. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may need to follow a special diet. Talk to your doctor. Foods that contain iron include: whole grains/cereals, dried fruits, beans, or peas, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats (liver, kidney).

Long-term use of this medicine may increase your risk of some cancers. Talk to your doctor about how to limit your risk.