Type of medicine: iron supplement
Generic and brand names: sodium ferric gluconate complex, injection; Ferrlecit
This medicine is given by IV to treat iron deficiency. It is given to people who need hemodialysis regularly and are being treated with medicine to help produce more red blood cells.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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 by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein), usually during dialysis treatments. Keep all appointments for all prescribed treatments.
You will be monitored closely for signs of an allergic reaction while receiving this medicine. The signs of an allergic reaction are trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or lips, hives, and itching. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical care.
This medicine may lower your blood pressure and cause flushing, lightheadedness, tiredness, weakness, or pain in the chest, back, or groin. These symptoms may last for an hour or two. If they last longer, contact your healthcare provider.
You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. 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. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call for help): 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): Chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; lightheadedness; fainting; very fast breathing or wheezing; calf pain or swelling in the legs.
Other: Irritation at the injection site, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, tingling, flushing, trouble sleeping.
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. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
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.
