Ferric Gluconate
Generic name: Ferric Gluconate [ FER-ik-GLOO-koe-nate ]
Brand name: Ferrlecit
Drug class: Iron products
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 27, 2024.
Uses of Ferric Gluconate:
- It is used to treat anemia.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ferric Gluconate?
- If you have an allergy to ferric gluconate or any other part of ferric gluconate.
- If you are allergic to ferric gluconate; any part of ferric gluconate; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Too much iron in your body or anemia from a cause other than low iron.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with ferric gluconate.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ferric gluconate with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ferric Gluconate?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take ferric gluconate. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take ferric gluconate.
- Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic side effects have rarely happened. Talk with your doctor.
- You will be watched closely while you receive ferric gluconate and for some time after your dose. Talk with your doctor.
- This medicine has benzyl alcohol in it. Benzyl alcohol may cause very bad and sometimes deadly side effects in newborns or infants. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Ferric Gluconate) best taken?
Use ferric gluconate as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given into a vein for a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
Related/similar drugs
ferrous sulfate, FeroSul, Aranesp, epoetin alfa, Epogen
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high potassium levels like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; feeling confused; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feeling like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Swelling.
- Cough.
- Fever or chills.
- Flushing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Very bad back pain.
- Very bad groin or thigh pain.
What are some other side effects of Ferric Gluconate?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Cramps.
- Stomach pain or diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Not hungry.
- Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
- Headache.
- Irritation where ferric gluconate is given.
- Signs of a common cold.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Ferric Gluconate?
- If you need to store ferric gluconate at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about ferric gluconate, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about sodium ferric gluconate complex
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