Pharmacologic Category Iron Salt

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

·         Dangerous allergic reactions can occur.

·         You will be closely monitored by healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

·         If you have an allergy to iron dextran or any other part of this medicine.

·         Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

·         If you have any of the following conditions: Anemia from a cause other than low iron stores, too much iron in your body, or thalassemia.

·         If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

·         This medicine is used to prevent or treat anemia caused by low iron stores.

How does it work?

·         Iron plays an important role in taking oxygen and transporting it to where it is needed in the body. Iron is taken into the red blood cells and made into hemoglobin. Hemoglobin actually carries the oxygen around in the body.

·         Low iron stores can be caused by a diet lacking in iron, poor absorption of iron from the small intestines, pregnancy, breast-feeding, or blood loss.

How is it best taken?

·         This medicine is usually given as a shot into a muscle.

·         This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

·         If you have rheumatoid arthritis, talk with healthcare provider.

·         If you have asthma, talk with healthcare provider.

·         Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

·         Irritation where the shot is given.

·         Flushing.

·         Headache.

·         Belly pain.

·         Muscle pain.

·         Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

·         Metallic taste. This is usually reversible.

What should I monitor?

·         Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

·         Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

·         Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

·         Chest pain or pressure.

·         Severe dizziness or passing out.

·         Difficulty breathing.

·         Severe nausea or vomiting.

·         Any rash.

·         No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

·         store it at controlled room temperature 15-30 C˚

General statements

·         If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

·         Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

·         Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

·         Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

·         Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.