Injectafer

What is INJECTAFER?

(INJECTAFER) This medication is used to treat "iron-poor" blood (iron deficiency anemia). Low iron levels can occur due to many conditions, including when your body cannot get enough iron from food (because of poor nutrition or poor absorption) or when there is long-term blood loss. Ferric carboxymaltose 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 or heart failure. Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to make enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.

How should I use INJECTAFER?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ferric carboxymaltose and with each treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection into a vein, usually by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. It is usually given slowly over several minutes. It can also be mixed in a saline solution and given by infusion into a vein over at least 15 minutes. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, lab tests and response to treatment. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take INJECTAFER?

Before using ferric carboxymaltose, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other iron injection products; 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, especially of: liver disease. 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). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with INJECTAFER?

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: dimercaprol, other iron-containing products.

What if I miss a dose of INJECTAFER?

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. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving INJECTAFER?

Flushing, nausea, dizziness, or pain/irritation/bruising at the injection site may occur. Brown staining of the skin around the injection site may also occur and can be long lasting. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. 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. An increase in your blood pressure, sometimes along with dizziness, nausea, or flushing of the face, may rarely occur right after a dose of this medication, but these effects usually go away within 30 minutes. Tell your doctor right away if your blood pressure remains high or if these symptoms last or get worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone pain/problems, symptoms of low phosphate levels (such as muscle weakness, mental/mood changes). A rare but very serious, possibly fatal, allergic reaction may occur with this medication. You should be monitored during the dose and for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness. 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.

Where should I keep INJECTAFER?

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.