uses
What is ferumoxytol used for?Ferumoxytol is commonly used to treat certain people with iron deficiency anemia who have the following.Chronic kidney diseaseInability to tolerate oral iron or for whom oral iron does not workFerumoxytol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does ferumoxytol work (mechanism of action)?Ferumoxytol helps with iron deficiency anemia by adding more iron to your body. How is ferumoxytol supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesFerahemeDosage forms and strengthsFerumoxytol is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store ferumoxytol?Ferumoxytol is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
prescription only; generic available
drug interactions
Does ferumoxytol interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between ferumoxytol and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ferumoxytol. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while using ferumoxytol.Does ferumoxytol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any oral iron before using ferumoxytol.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with ferumoxytol. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of ferumoxytol?The most common side effects of ferumoxytol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.DiarrheaHeadacheNauseaDizzinessLow blood pressure (see below)ConstipationFluid retention in the arms, hands, legs, or feetThere may be other side effects of ferumoxytol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of ferumoxytol?While less common, the most serious side effects of ferumoxytol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Ferumoxytol may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingConfusionFeeling weak or tiredSevere Allergic Reactions. Ferumoxytol may cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. If you tend to have allergic reactions to other medicines, you may be at higher risk for a serious allergic reaction to this medicine. After receiving an infusion of ferumoxytol, your health care provider will likely monitor you for at least 30 minutes to watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much ferumoxytol?If you or someone else has used too much ferumoxytol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of ferumoxytol?Ferumoxytol is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving ferumoxytol as scheduled.If you miss an appointment to get your ferumoxytol dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use ferumoxytol?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ferumoxytol.FerahemeFerumoxytolAny other intravenous (IV) iron productAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ferumoxytol products they stock.What should I know about ferumoxytol before using it?Ferumoxytol is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It will be injected into your veins. After each dose of ferumoxytol, your health care provider will likely monitor you for at least 30 minutes to watch for an allergic reaction.Your health care provider will likely check your blood count and iron levels before starting ferumoxytol and while you are using it. This is to monitor your treatment and make sure the medicine is working. Ferumoxytol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ferumoxytol affects you.Ferumoxytol can interfere with the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If you need an MRI, tell your health care provider if you had a dose of ferumoxytol within the past three months. People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of bad outcomes from side effects of ferumoxytol. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.What should I tell my health care provider before using ferumoxytol?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ferumoxytol is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Ferumoxytol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using ferumoxytol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Allergies to other medicinesLow blood pressureHigh iron levelsPregnancy. It is not known if or how ferumoxytol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. If you have a serious allergic reaction to ferumoxytol, this may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ferumoxytol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if ferumoxytol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ferumoxytol while breastfeeding.
about
Ferumoxytol is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, constipation, and fluid retention in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. Serious side effects are less common but may include low blood pressure or a serious allergic reaction. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction or feel lightheaded or like you may faint.