What is Ferrlecit?
Iron is found in sodium ferric gluconate. Iron is normally obtained from food. Iron is a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin in your body. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from your blood to your organs and tissues. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen. Ferrlecit treats iron-deficiency anemia in adults and children over the age of 6 years. This medicine is used to treat kidney disease in people who are on dialysis. Ferrlecit can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ferrlecit
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives; sweating; vomiting; severe back pain; wheezing; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some side effects can occur 30 minutes after the injection. You should tell your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, itching, or sweating.
Ferrlecit can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Feeling very tired or weak;
- Shortness of breath
- You may experience severe pain in the chest, back, side, or groin.
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation)
Side effects of ferrecit include:
- The injection site may show bruising, skin discoloration, or a rash.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Headache, dizziness;
- Fast heartbeats;
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Leg cramps and pain
- Increased blood pressure
- Abnormal blood tests
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice regarding side effects? Consult with a qualified physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
ferrous sulfate, FeroSul, Procrit, Aranesp, and Poetin alfa
Warnings
Please read all instructions provided with your medication carefully, then inform a healthcare provider of all medical conditions, allergies and medicines you take.
Before you take this drug
Ferrlecit should not be used if you have an allergy to ferrlecit, benzyl alcohol. Ferrlecit should not be used by children younger than six years of age. The medicine contains an ingredient that can cause severe side effects or even death in premature or very young babies.
Do not forget to inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Iron overload syndrome
- If you regularly receive blood transfusions,
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Ferrlecit?
Ferrlecit will be infused into your veins during a dialysis session. The infusion of this medicine can take up to an hour. Medical tests will be required frequently.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Ferrlecit can be given as part of dialysis. No schedule exists.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect being poisoned and seek immediate medical advice or services.
What should be avoided?
You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including iron supplements. Ferrelecit may make it difficult for your body to absorb iron supplements that you take orally. Ferrlecit may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
