Iron Sucrose injection

What is iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose (Venofer®) is an iron product that is administered through a vein. Iron is a mineral needed by your body to make new red blood cells. Iron also helps red blood cells function. Iron deficiency causes anemia with unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, and decreased resistance to infections. Iron sucrose is most commonly used to treat low iron levels in patients who are receiving dialysis, and is usually given with epoetin alfa treatment. There is no generic form of this drug available.

What should my health professional know before I receive iron sucrose?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• blood transfusion

• heart disease

• hemolytic anemia or any other kind of anemia or blood disorder

• iron overload (hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis)

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• an unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or are trying to become pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

This medication is intended to be given by a health care professional by infusion through a vein. For patients receiving hemodialysis, it may be given during your hemodialysis session.

What if I miss a dose?

This medication will normally be given at your dialysis center or at a health care facility.

What drug(s) may interact with iron sucrose?

If you are taking this iron product, you should not take iron in any other medicine or dietary supplement.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine:

• chloramphenicol

• deferoxamine

• dimercaprol

• other iron products

Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medications you are taking including non-prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or other health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may afffect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.

What should I watch for while taking Iron Sucrose?

What side effects may I notice from receiving iron sucrose?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• abdominal pain

• cough

• dizziness or faintness

• fever, chills, or shivering

• flushing, sweating, or hot feelings

• intense pain of any kind, including back, chest, joint, or leg pain

• pale or clammy skin

• seizures (convulsions)

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• skin rash, hives, or itching

• swelling or edema of any kind, including the ankles, face, or tongue

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• vomiting

• weak, fast, or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• general discomfort or malaise

• headache

• mild nausea or stomach upset

• mild weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children. This medication will normally be stored at your dialysis center or at a health care facility.

Store in original container, preferably at between 59—86 degrees F (15—30 degrees C). Discard any unused medication after expiration date. Do not freeze.