Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex Injection

What is this medication?

SODIUM FERRIC GLUCONATE COMPLEX (SOE dee um FER ik GLOO koe nate KOM pleks) treats low levels of iron (iron deficiency anemia) in people with kidney disease. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ferrlecit, Nulecit

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Anemia that is not from iron deficiency
• High levels of iron in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to iron, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or are trying to become pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Deferasirox
• Deferoxamine
• Dimercaprol

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Other iron products

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Sometimes, when medications are infused into veins, a little can leak out of the vein and into the tissue around it. If this medication leaks, it can cause a brown or dark stain on the skin. This is not common. It may be permanent. If you feel pain or swelling during your infusion, tell your care team right away. They can stop the infusion and treat the area.

You may need to eat more foods that contain iron. Talk to your care team. Foods that contain iron include whole grains or cereals, dried fruits, beans, peas, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats (liver, kidney).

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, brown or dark skin color at the infusion site
• Shortness of breath

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Flushing
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.