Sodium ferric gluconate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Ferrlecit is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body) in adults and children at least 6 years old. This medicine is for people with kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Ferrlecit may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Ferrlecit is given as an infusion into a vein during your dialysis session. This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You will need frequent medical tests.

You should not use Ferrlecit if you are allergic to Ferrlecit or benzyl alcohol.

Ferrlecit is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. This medicine may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• iron overload syndrome; or

• if you receive regular blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since Ferrlecit is given during dialysis, Ferrlecit does not have a separate dosing schedule.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, sweating, vomiting; severe lower back pain; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur within 30 minutes after an injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, or sweaty.

Ferrlecit may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• feeling very weak or tired;

• shortness of breath;

• severe pain in your chest, back, sides, or groin; or

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Common side effects of Ferrlecit may include:

• bruising or skin discoloration where an injection was given;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• headache, dizziness;

• fast heartbeats;

• chest pain, trouble breathing;

• pain, leg cramps;

• increased blood pressure; or

• abnormal blood tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially iron supplements. Ferrlecit can make it harder for your body to absorb iron supplements you take by mouth.

Other drugs may affect Ferrlecit, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.