iron sucrose (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about iron sucrose?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease.

Iron sucrose is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Iron sucrose is not for treating other forms of anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive iron sucrose?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• hemochromatosis or iron overload (the buildup of excess iron).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Iron sucrose can harm an unborn baby if you have a severe reaction to this medicine during your second or third trimester. However, not treating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may cause complications such as premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating your condition during pregnancy may outweigh any risks.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea or constipation in the nursing baby.

How is iron sucrose given?

Iron sucrose is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine is sometimes given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 2.5 hours to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when iron sucrose is injected.

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

You will need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with iron sucrose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using iron sucrose?

What are the possible side effects of iron sucrose?

• problems with your dialysis vein access point;
• chest pain;
• high blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• low blood pressure --a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• signs of inflammation in the lining of your stomach --pain or swelling, bloating, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, cold or flu symptoms (sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing);
• high or low blood pressure;
• headache, dizziness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• muscle or joint pain, back pain;
• pain or swelling in an arm or leg;
• itching; or
• bruising or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect iron sucrose?

Treatment with iron sucrose injections can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or other iron-based oral medications, such as:

• ferrous fumarate;
• ferrous gluconate; or
• ferrous sulfate, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect iron sucrose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about iron sucrose injection.