Do you always feel tired and lethargic? Your doctor may have told you that you have low iron levels, which means you have anemia. As a quicker solution to this than taking pills, doctors sometimes decide to give you an injection containing iron. This is a special injection that is given at such times called Iron Dextran. Let's talk about everything in simple terms.
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What is this medicine called Iron Dextran?
Simply put, Iron Dextran is a powerful medicine that quickly restores the low iron levels in your body. The red blood cells in our blood cannot carry oxygen throughout the body without the mineral iron. Think of red blood cells as trucks that carry oxygen. Iron is needed to make these trucks. So when there is not enough iron, the production of these trucks decreases, and the oxygen supply to the body also decreases. This injection is given as a solution to that.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this injection. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| Anemia other than iron deficiency. | This medicine only works for iron deficiency. It is not suitable for any other reason. |
| Heart disease | Some of the effects of the medication may affect heart patients. |
| High iron levels in the body. | Giving extra iron can cause toxicity in the body. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Since medications are processed through these organs, care must be taken regarding their function. |
| Allergies to iron, other medications, foods, or preservatives. | There may be a risk of a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | In these cases, special care should be taken regarding the effects of the medication. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. This is an injection that is given only in a hospital or clinic by a qualified doctor or trained nursing staff. It can be given into a vein (intravenous - IV) or into a deep muscle (intramuscular - IM). Your doctor will decide how to give it, depending on your condition.
This medicine can also be prescribed to children over 4 months of age in some special cases. However, it is done with great care and special precautions.
Important: This medicine is for your own use only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
Remember, if you think you have overdosed on this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
This is given in a hospital, so you won't have to miss the day. But if you can't keep your appointment, be sure to call your doctor or clinic and let them know. It's very important to take these medications as prescribed.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medications can interact with Iron Dextran and cause problems.
| Do not take Iron Dextran with these. | |
|---|---|
| Deferoxamine | Dimercaprol |
| Other iron-containing products (tablets, syrups) | |
| These can also cause problems - tell your doctor. | |
| Chloramphenicol | Deferasirox |
Things to be careful about when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will monitor you regularly. He or she will also need to do regular blood work to check things like your iron levels and red blood cell count.
- Good diet: As well as taking iron tablets, it is also a good idea to eat iron-rich foods while taking this injection. Talk to your doctor about this. For example, you can add things like spinach, kale, and collard greens, legumes like peas and chickpeas, liver, dates, and raisins to your diet.
- Long-term use: It has been found that using this medicine for a very long time may slightly increase the risk of some types of cancer. This is not the case for everyone. But don't worry about this. Your doctor will give you this medicine after weighing all the pros and cons.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If these symptoms occur, inform the doctor/nurse immediately. | |
|---|---|
| A serious allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low Blood Pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, chest pain. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Flushing | Headache |
| Joint pain, muscle pain | Nausea |
| Pain, redness, or swelling where the injection was given | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Iron Dextran is a powerful injection that is only given in a hospital to treat severe iron deficiency.
- Before taking this medicine, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, fainting, or severe allergic symptoms while taking the medicine, notify the medical staff immediately.
- Go for follow-up and blood tests as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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