Dexferrum Side Effects

Generic name: iron dextran

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 1, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Dexferrum Side Effects associated with iron dextran. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Dexferrum.

Applies to iron dextran: injection solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects (eg, too much iron in the blood).

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, or fainting. Other signs may include changes in color of the skin of the face, very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse, hive-like swellings on the skin, and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these side effects occur, get emergency help at once.

Tell your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms after receiving this medicine: chills, backache, dizziness, headache, moderate to high fever, joint or muscle pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Dexferrum

Along with its needed effects, iron dextran (the active ingredient contained in Dexferrum) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking iron dextran:

Other side effects of Dexferrum

Some side effects of iron dextran may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to iron dextran: injectable solution.

Hypersensitivity adverse events

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactoid reactions (including dyspnea, urticaria, rashes, itching, nausea, and shivering)
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute severe anaphylactoid reactions (sudden onset of respiratory difficulty and/or cardiovascular collapse)
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions, fatal anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flushing, pruritus, rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema, sweating
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, purpura^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Numbness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Loss of consciousness, seizure, dizziness, tremor
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Headache, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Convulsions, syncope, unresponsiveness, altered taste^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cramps
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Myalgias
• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, exacerbation of joint pain, arthritis, backache^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Feeling hot
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Fatigue, chest pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Transient deafness
• Frequency not reported: Fever, weakness, febrile episodes, chills^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory arrest, bronchospasm, wheezing^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, emesis, abdominal pain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Diarrhea
• Frequency not reported: Vomiting^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Rare (0.01 to 0.1%): Arrhythmia, tachycardia, hypotension
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bradycardia, palpitations, hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Chest tightness, shock, cyanosis, cardiac arrest^[Ref]

Local

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pain and brown pigmentation at injection site
• Frequency not reported: Soreness or inflammation at or near injection site, local phlebitic reaction, staining of the skin, bleeding, formation of sterile abscesses, tissue necrosis, atrophy, pain, sterile abscess, cellulitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hemolysis
• Frequency not reported: Leukocytosis, lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Restlessness, mental status changes
• Frequency not reported: Disorientation^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Tumors at the injection site^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Hematuria^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Dexferrum side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer