Uses

This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (anemia) in people with long-term kidney disease and using a certain class of drug (man-made form of erythropoietin). You may need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney dialysis. Your body may also need more iron to help erythropoietin make new red blood cells.

Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is needed to transport oxygen in the body. Many people with kidney disease cannot get enough iron from food and require injections.

How To Use

This medication is given by injection slowly into a vein or into your dialysis line by a health care professional.

Severe dizziness or fainting (hypotension) may occur while you are receiving iron given by injection. This may be helped by giving the medication more slowly or at a lower dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, diarrhea, cramps, or discomfort at the injection site may occur. 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.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• dizziness/lightheadedness
• muscle pain (especially in the lower back/buttocks/legs)
• tingling of hands/feet
• unusual weakness
• chest pain

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, 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

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.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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:

• low blood pressure
• certain metabolic disorders (such as hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis)
• previous reactions to other iron products given by injection

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, vomiting, pale/bluish skin (especially the lips/fingers/toes), rapid breathing.

Notes

Lab tests (such as complete blood count, ferritin levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Remember that it is best to get your vitamins and minerals from food whenever possible. Maintain a well-balanced diet, and follow any dietary guidelines as directed by your doctor. Foods rich in iron include meats (especially liver), eggs, raisins, figs, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, and iron-fortified or enriched cereals.

Missed Dose

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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

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.