Venofer

Generic Name: iron sucrose
Other Brand Names: iron sucrose

What is iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose injection is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

Iron sucrose injection is used to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia in patients with kidney disease.

Iron sucrose injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose should not be used by people who have an overload of iron in their body or by patients with anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

Iron sucrose injection is the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely that iron sucrose injection will harm an unborn baby. Do not use iron sucrose injection without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is unknown whether iron sucrose injection passes into breast milk. Do not use iron sucrose injection without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take iron sucrose?

Only a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional should administer iron sucrose injection. Iron sucrose injection is not intended for administration by the patient.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional will administer the iron sucrose injection intravenously (directly into the dialysis line).

Iron sucrose injection may decrease the absorption of oral iron preparations. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using iron sucrose injection if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Store iron sucrose injection at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Keep this medication out of the reach of children. An accidental overdose of iron by a child can be fatal.

What happens if I miss a dose of iron sucrose?

Doses are given one to three times a week. Contact your doctor if you miss a dose.

Where can I get more information about iron sucrose?
Your pharmacist has information about iron sucrose written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of iron sucrose?

Cases of severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions (loss of consciousness, collapse, difficulty breathing or convulsions) and severe low blood pressure (hypotension) have been reported with the use of iron sucrose. This medication should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using iron sucrose injection and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience:

  • dizziness or fainting;

  • nausea or vomiting;

  • diarrhea;

  • cramps (especially leg cramps); or

  • headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with iron sucrose injection. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about iron sucrose?

Cases of severe, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions (loss of consciousness, collapse, difficulty breathing or convulsions) and severe low blood pressure (hypotension) have been reported with the use of iron sucrose. This medication should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

What should I avoid while taking iron sucrose?

There are no restrictions regarding foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with iron sucrose injection unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What other drugs will affect iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose injection may decrease the absorption of oral iron preparations. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using iron sucrose injection if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Before receiving iron sucrose injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take so that your therapy can be monitored for interactions.

What happens if I have an overdose of iron sucrose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an iron sucrose injection overdose include dizziness; headache; nausea; vomiting; joint aches; abdominal and muscle pain; a burning, prickling or tingling feeling; and swelling.

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 2/11/2008