This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (iron
deficiency anemia). Ferumoxytol 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.
Iron is an important part of your red blood cells and is
needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. Many people with kidney disease
cannot get enough iron from food and require injections. People with kidney
disease may also need extra iron because of blood loss during kidney
dialysis treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using ferumoxytol and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Ferumoxytol is given by a health care professional. It
is given by slow injection into a vein over at least 15 minutes, usually in
a clinic or hospital. Treatment involves receiving two doses of
ferumoxytol, given 3 to 8 days apart. It may be given during
dialysis.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Your doctor will take blood tests to monitor your
response to treatment.
See also Warning section.
Dizziness or fainting (hypotension) may occur. Pain,
swelling, or redness at the injection site may also occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up
slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
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:
- unusual bruising
- darkening of skin (bronze tone)
- swelling of hands/feet/lower legs
- chest pain
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 ferumoxytol, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a reaction to other types of
injectable iron; 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.
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).
During use and for 3 months after your last injection,
tell X-ray staff that you use or used this medication. This medication can
interfere with the results of an MRI scan.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults that have a serious allergic reaction or
dizziness while using this drug may have more severe
symptoms.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug 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:
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 level, blood pressure, pulse) should be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to eat a well-balanced diet to get
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 diet
recommendations for your condition.
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.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.