Type of medicine: iron supplement
Generic and brand names: iron sucrose, injection; Venofer
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a vein) to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with chronic kidney disease. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is given as an IV infusion (slow drip) over several minutes to several hours. If you are on dialysis, the medicine may also be given by infusion into your dialysis line. You will probably need several treatments. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
People receiving iron by injection often get low blood pressure. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or weak.
You will need regular blood tests to see how well your treatment is working and to check that you don't get too much iron. Keep all appointments for tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away to get emergency medical care): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fainting; swelling of your hands, feet, or ankles; chest pain; shortness of breath.
Other: Lightheadedness, weakness, tiredness, leg cramps, nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, cough, abdominal pain, dizziness, change in sense of taste, muscle or joint pain; pain, swelling, or redness of the injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects.
Do not take iron medicine by mouth if you are also receiving injections without your healthcare provider’s approval. Also, check your multivitamin to see if it contains iron. An overdose of iron can be very serious. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
