Drug
Iron Dextran
Pronounced
"EYE-urn DEX-tran"
Uses
This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (anemia) in people who cannot take iron by mouth because of side effects or because their anemia has not been successfully treated by it. Low iron levels can occur when the body can't get enough iron from food (poor nutrition, poor absorption) or when there is a large or long-term blood loss (for example, due to hemophilia, stomach bleeding). It is also used by people who have anemia due to long-term kidney disease.
Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to carry oxygen in the body.
Warning
Rarely, iron dextran for injection has caused severe (sometimes fatal) allergic reactions. It should be used only when clearly needed and when a patient is unable to take iron by mouth (oral forms).
Get medical help right away if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, dizziness, rash, or itchy skin.
How to Use This Medication
This medication is usually injected deep into the muscle of the buttock or slowly into a vein as directed by your doctor. When injecting into the buttock, the next injection is given on the opposite side from the last injection.
Before the first full dose, a smaller test dose is given slowly to check for possible allergic effects. If no reaction is seen after one hour, the full dose may be given. You will be checked carefully for reactions by a health care worker each time you are getting the iron.
Iron injections may be given once daily in small doses or as directed by your doctor. Large doses may be given in a solution and injected into a vein over several hours. Some side effects such as dizziness and flushing may be stopped by giving the drug more slowly. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your age, weight, labs, medical condition, and response to treatment.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.