Venofer

This medicine is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease. You may need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may also need more iron if you use the drug erythropoietin to help make new red blood cells.

Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to transport oxygen in the body. Many patients with kidney disease cannot get enough iron from food and require injections.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. It is usually given slowly over 2 to 5 minutes or as directed by your doctor. Iron sucrose can also be mixed in a saline solution and given through an IV over a longer time.

Your dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Your doctor will do laboratory tests to monitor your response. (See also Notes section.) If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, strange taste in the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, headache, cough, back pain, joint pain, dizziness, or swelling of the arms/legs may occur. Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects continue or worsen, tell your doctor.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Severe dizziness or fainting (hypotension) may occur while you are receiving IV iron. This may be helped by giving the medication more slowly or at a lower dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: abdominal pain, chest pain, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), pressure in the chest, severe headache and blurred vision (hypertension), problems with your dialysis access site (graft).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using iron sucrose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: vitamin products, other iron-containing products.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Laboratory tests (such as complete blood count, ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity-TIBC) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

Remember that it is best to get your vitamins and minerals from food whenever possible. Maintain a well-balanced diet, and follow any dietary guidelines as directed by your doctor. Foods rich in iron include meats (especially liver), eggs, raisins, figs, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, and iron-fortified or enriched cereals.