iron sucrose (injection)

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Pronunciation: EYE urn SOO krose

Brand: Venofer

What is the most important information I should know about iron sucrose?

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.

What is iron sucrose?

Iron sucrose is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

Iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in people with kidney disease.

Iron sucrose is not for treating other forms of anemia not caused by iron deficiency.

Iron sucrose injection may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive iron sucrose?

You should not be treated with this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an iron injection.

To make sure iron sucrose is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • iron overload (the buildup of excess iron), or hemochromatosis.

Iron sucrose injection is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether iron sucrose passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is iron sucrose given?

Iron sucrose is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or directly into a dialysis line. You will receive this injection in a clinic, hospital, or dialysis setting.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when iron sucrose is injected.

You will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes after receiving an iron sucrose injection, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with iron sucrose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your iron sucrose injection.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using iron sucrose?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using iron sucrose injection.

What are the possible side effects of iron sucrose?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • chest pain;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
  • increased blood pressure (severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, confusion).

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • diarrhea;
  • muscle or joint pain, back pain;
  • pain in an arm or leg;
  • itching; or
  • bruising or irritation where the medicine was injected.

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.

What other drugs will affect iron sucrose?

Treatment with iron sucrose injections can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or other iron-based oral medications, such as:

  • ferrous fumarate;
  • ferrous gluconate; or
  • ferrous sulfate, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with iron sucrose, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about iron sucrose injection.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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