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ferumoxytol

ferumoxytol

Pronunciation: FER ue MOX i tol

Brand: Feraheme

What is the most important information I should know about ferumoxytol?

Ferumoxytol can cause severe or fatal allergic reactions, even if you have used this medicine before without any reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, itching, wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or feeling like you might pass out. Watch for signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after your injection.

What is ferumoxytol?

Ferumoxytol is an iron replacement product that is used in adults used to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which is low red blood cells caused by a lack of iron in the body.

Ferumoxytol is given to adults with IDA and chronic kidney disease, or to adults with IDA when iron taken by mouth is not effective.

Ferumoxytol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ferumoxytol?

You should not use ferumoxytol if you are allergic to it, or if:

  • you've had an allergic reaction to iron injected into a vein.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • iron overload syndrome;
  • any drug allergies; or
  • low blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ferumoxytol will harm an unborn baby, but this medicine may cause severe reactions in the mother that could affect the baby's heartbeat.

Having iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating this condition with ferumoxytol may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is ferumoxytol given?

Ferumoxytol is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

This medicine must be given slowly over 15 minutes.

You will be watched for at least 30 minutes to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Ferumoxytol is usually given in 2 doses, 3 to 8 days apart.

You may need frequent medical tests, even if you have no symptoms.

Ferumoxytol can affect the results of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for up to 3 months after you receive this medicine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received a ferumoxytol injection.

Ferumoxytol will not affect other types of X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or nuclear radiation imaging.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your ferumoxytol injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving ferumoxytol?

Do not take iron supplements or a vitamin/mineral supplement that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.

What are the possible side effects of ferumoxytol?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; wheezing, difficult breathing; a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ferumoxytol can cause severe or fatal allergic reactions, even if you have used this medicine before without any reaction. Watch for signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after your injection.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;
  • a seizure;
  • kidney problems --swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
  • heart problems --chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • diarrhea, constipation;
  • nausea; or
  • swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

What other drugs will affect ferumoxytol?

Ferumoxytol can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medicines you take by mouth.

Other drugs may affect ferumoxytol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ferumoxytol.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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