Iron Sucrose Injection

Brand Name(s): Venofer®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Iron sucrose injection is used treat iron-deficiency anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells due to too little iron) in people with chronic kidney disease (damage to the kidneys which may worsen over time and may cause the kidneys to stop working). Iron sucrose injection is in a class of medications called iron replacement products. It works by replenishing iron stores so that the body can make more red blood cells.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Iron sucrose injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It is usually injected over 2 to 5 minutes or may be mixed with another fluid and infused slowly over 15 minutes to 4 hours depending on your dose of medication. Your doctor will determine how often you receive iron sucrose injection and your total number of doses based on your condition and how well you respond to the medication. If your iron levels become low after you finish your treatment, your doctor may prescribe this medication again.

Iron sucrose injection may cause severe or life-threatening reactions while you receive the medication. Your doctor will watch you carefully while you receive each dose of iron sucrose injection and for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after your injection: shortness of breath; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; hives; itching; rash; fainting; lightheadedness; dizziness; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; slow heartbeat; headache; nausea; vomiting; joint or muscle pain; stomach pain; pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; loss of consciousness; or seizures. If you experience a severe reaction, your doctor will slow or stop your infusion immediately and provide emergency medical treatment.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving iron sucrose injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to iron sucrose injection; any other iron injection such as ferumoxytol (Feraheme), iron dextran (Dexferrum, Infed, Proferdex), or sodium ferric gluconate (Ferrlecit); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in iron sucrose injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention iron supplements that are taken by mouth. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving iron sucrose injection treatment, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive iron sucrose injection, call your doctor as soon as possible.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Iron sucrose injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• arm, leg, or back pain
• muscle cramps
• loss of energy
• changes in taste
• ear pain
• fever
• pain, redness, or swelling in the joints, especially the big toe
• soreness, redness, or burning at the injection site

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and order certain lab tests to check your body's response to iron sucrose injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

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