Iron Dextran Complex

(EYE ern DEKS tran KOM pleks)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe allergic effects may happen.
• Your child will get a test dose before his/her first dose.
• Your child will be closely watched while taking this drug.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to iron dextran or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Anemia from a cause other than low iron stores, too much iron in your child's body, or thalassemia.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat anemia.

How does this drug work?

• Iron plays a major role in taking oxygen and moving it to where it is needed in the body. Iron is taken into the red blood cells and made into hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries the oxygen around in the body.
• Low iron stores may be caused by a diet lacking in iron, little iron getting in from the small bowel, or blood loss.

How is this drug given?

• This drug is most often given as a shot into a muscle.
• It is given into a vein for a period of time.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few weeks to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor for an office visit.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has asthma, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has rheumatoid arthritis, talk with the doctor.
• Do not give your child other iron products with this drug.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Flushing.
• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Metallic taste. This will most often go away.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with the doctor.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This drug will be given to you in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.