Generic name: iron dextran [ eye-urn-dex-tran ]
Drug class: Iron products
Dosage form: injection
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Iron dextran
What is Infed?
Infed is used to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cells).
Infed may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Infed if you have a type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.
Infed can cause severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions or severely low blood pressure. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel light-headed (like you might pass out), or if you suddenly have trouble breathing.
How should I use Infed
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Infed is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Infed must be given slowly. Injecting this medicine too quickly can cause serious side effects.
You may receive your first dose in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in height or weight. Infed doses are based on these measures.
You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Infed.
Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Before Taking
You should not receive Infed if you are allergic to it, or if you have a type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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heart disease;
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liver disease;
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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rheumatoid arthritis;
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bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
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stomach bleeding;
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asthma or allergies;
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if you are allergic to any medication; or
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if you use a beta-blocker medicine (atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others).
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Infed can cause injury to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Infed. Ask your doctor about any risk.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include joint pain, chills, dizziness, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while using Infed?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Infed side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Infed can cause severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions or severely low blood pressure. Call your doctor or seek medical help right away if you feel light-headed or if you suddenly have trouble breathing.
Also all your doctor at once if you have:
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fast or slow heartbeats. chest pain, wheezing, trouble breathing;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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blue-colored lips or fingernails;
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red or pink urine;
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weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop);
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seizure (convulsions);
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swelling, warmth, redness, or itching where the medicine was injected; or
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delayed effect (1-2 days after injection)--fever, chills, dizziness, headache, general ill feeling, nausea and vomiting, joint or muscle pain, back pain.
Common side effects of Infed may include:
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mild itching or rash;
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body aches, numbness or tingly feeling;
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nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
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mild dizziness or weakness, low fever; or
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brown discoloration of your skin.
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.
See more: Infed Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Infed?
Other drugs may affect Infed, 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.