This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (iron
deficiency anemia). Low iron levels can occur due to many conditions,
including when your body cannot get enough iron from food (because of poor
nutrition or poor absorption) or when there is long-term blood loss. Ferric
carboxymaltose is a form of injectable iron that is used if you cannot take
iron by mouth because of side effects or an unsuccessful response to
treatment. It is also used by people who have anemia due to long-term
kidney disease or heart failure.
Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to
make enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your
body.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using ferric carboxymaltose and with each
treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein,
usually by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. It is
usually given slowly over several minutes. It can also be mixed in a saline
solution and given by infusion into a vein over at least 15
minutes.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
lab tests and response to treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Flushing, nausea, dizziness, or pain/irritation/bruising
at the injection site may occur. Brown staining of the skin around the
injection site may also occur and can be long lasting. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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.
An increase in your blood pressure, sometimes along with
dizziness, nausea, or flushing of the face, may rarely occur right after a
dose of this medication, but these effects usually go away within 30
minutes. Tell your doctor right away if your blood pressure remains high or
if these symptoms last or get worse.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- bone pain/problems
- symptoms of low phosphate levels (such as muscle weakness,
mental/mood changes)
A rare but very serious, possibly fatal, allergic
reaction may occur with this medication. You should be monitored during the
dose and for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Get medical help right away if
you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,
including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
- loss of consciousness
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 ferric carboxymaltose, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other iron injection products;
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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
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:
- dimercaprol
- 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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
iron/phosphate levels) should be done while you are using this medication.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to eat a well-balanced diet that has
enough iron, vitamins, and minerals. Good sources of iron include meats
(especially liver), eggs, raisins, figs, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beans,
lentils, and iron-fortified or enriched cereals. Follow any diet
recommendations given to you by your doctor.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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.
