Ferumoxsil is in a group of drugs called imaging contrast agents. Ferumoxsil contains
iron, a substance that is magnetic. Contrast agents are used to allow certain internal organs to be
seen clearly on an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Ferumoxsil is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the stomach or intestines.
Ferumoxsil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ferumoxsil?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to ferumoxsil, or if you have a
blocked or perforated intestine.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
an iron overload disorder such as chronic hemolytic anemia;
a history of frequent blood transfusions;
a history of hiatal hernia;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
inflammatory bowel disease;
if you tend to burp up food, especially when lying down
after a meal; or
if you have recently had any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive
ferumoxsil.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ferumoxsil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take ferumoxsil?
Ferumoxsil is a liquid that you will be asked to drink before your MRI is performed.
Ferumoxsil must be taken on an empty stomach. You will need to fast (not eat or drink
anything) for at least 4 hours before you take this medicine.
In some cases, the MRI will be done within 30 minutes after you drink the ferumoxsil.
However, you may be asked to drink the liquid several hours before your MRI. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
What happens if I miss a dose of ferumoxsil?
Since ferumoxsil is used only for the purposes of your MRI, you will not be on a dosing
schedule.
Where can I get more information about ferumoxsil?
Your pharmacist has information about ferumoxsil written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ferumoxsil?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
severe stomach pain or cramping; or
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle
weakness.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
upset stomach;
skin rash or itching;
headache; or
numbness or tingling in or around your mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ferumoxsil?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to ferumoxsil, or if you have a
blocked or perforated intestine.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, if you
have an iron overload disorder (such as chronic hemolytic anemia) or if you have received
frequent blood transfusions. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of hiatal hernia,
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease, or if you have recently
had any nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
After receiving ferumoxsil, call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain
or cramping, or a skin rash with bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as mild stomach pain, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or numbness and tingling of your mouth.
What should I avoid while taking ferumoxsil?
On the day of your MRI, avoid foods or beverages that upset your stomach. Ferumoxsil
can cause mild to severe stomach discomfort.
What other drugs will affect ferumoxsil?
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are using iron supplements.
There may be other drugs that can affect ferumoxsil. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without
telling your doctor.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009