Sodium ferric gluconate complex

Generic name: sodium ferric gluconate complex [ SOE-dee-um-FER-ik-GLU-koe-nate-KOM-plex ]
Brand names: Ferrlecit, Nulecit
Dosage form: intravenous solution (12.5 mg/mL)
Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is sodium ferric gluconate complex?

Sodium ferric gluconate is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex is used to treat iron deficiency anemia (a lack of red blood cells caused by having too little iron in the body) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Sodium ferric gluconate complex is for people with kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, sweating, vomiting; severe lower back pain; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur within 30 minutes after an injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, or sweaty.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• feeling very weak or tired;

• shortness of breath;

• severe pain in your chest, back, sides, or groin; or

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Common side effects of sodium ferric gluconate complex may include:

• bruising or skin discoloration where an injection was given;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• headache, dizziness;

• fast heartbeats;

• chest pain, trouble breathing;

• pain, leg cramps;

• increased blood pressure; or

• abnormal blood tests.

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.

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use sodium ferric gluconate complex if you are allergic to sodium ferric gluconate complex or benzyl alcohol.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old. Sodium ferric gluconate complex may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• iron overload syndrome; or

• if you receive regular blood transfusions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is sodium ferric gluconate complex given?

Sodium ferric gluconate complex is given as an infusion into a vein during your dialysis session. This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Sodium ferric gluconate complex dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:

10 mL in 100 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV over 1 hour per dialysis session

OR

10 mL (125 mg elemental iron) undiluted slow IV (up to 12.5 mg elemental iron/min) per dialysis session

Comments:
-Most patients require a cumulative dose of 1000 mg of elemental iron administered over 8 dialysis sessions.
-Administer during the dialysis session itself.
-Doses over 125 mg elemental iron may have higher incidence or severity of adverse events.

Use: Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis who are receiving epoetin therapy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:

6 years and older: 0.12 mL/kg (1.5 mg/kg elemental iron) diluted in 25 mL 0.9% sodium chloride IV over 1 hour per dialysis session

Maximum dose: 125 mg elemental iron per dose

Comments:
-Administer during the dialysis session itself.
-Doses over 125 mg elemental iron may have higher incidence or severity of adverse events.

Use: Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis who are receiving epoetin therapy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since sodium ferric gluconate complex is given during dialysis, sodium ferric gluconate complex does not have a separate dosing schedule.

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 receiving sodium ferric gluconate complex?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect sodium ferric gluconate complex?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially iron supplements. Sodium ferric gluconate complex can make it harder for your body to absorb iron supplements you take by mouth.

Other drugs may affect sodium ferric gluconate complex, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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