Iron Sucrose Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2024.

Applies to iron sucrose: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of iron sucrose

Along with its needed effects, iron sucrose 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 sucrose:

More common side effects

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blurred vision
• chest pain or tightness in the chest
• confusion
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• headache
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• rapid weight gain
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sweating
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Less common side effects

• fever

Incidence not known

• chest discomfort
• difficulty swallowing
• hives or itching
• increased sweating
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of consciousness
• noisy breathing
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the joints

Other side effects of iron sucrose

Some side effects of iron sucrose 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:

More common side effects

• change in taste
• diarrhea
• muscle cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• pain in the arms or legs
• pain or burning sensation in the injection site

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain
• body aches or pain
• chills
• difficulty with moving
• ear congestion or pain
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• lack or loss of strength
• pain or redness at the injection site
• pale skin at the injection site
• runny nose, sneezing
• sore throat
• unexplained weight loss

Rare side effects

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• discharge or excessive tearing
• redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

For healthcare professionals

Applies to iron sucrose: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

Symptoms associated with total dosage or infusing too rapidly include hypotension, dyspnea, headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, joint aches, paresthesia, abdominal and muscle pain, edema, and cardiovascular collapse; these symptoms have occurred up to 30 minutes after administration.

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (39.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, arteriovenous fistula thrombosis
• Postmarketing reports: Collapse, bradycardia, shock^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle cramp (29.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain, myalgia, pain in extremity
• Postmarketing reports: Swelling of the joints^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (14.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (12.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Paresthesia
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsions, light-headedness, loss of consciousness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, dyspnea, nasal congestion
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site pain or burning, extravasation
• Frequency not reported: Injection site discoloration (after extravasation)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, angioedema
• Postmarketing reports: Hyperhidrosis^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis, infections (nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis), respiratory tract viral infection, peritonitis

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Ear pain, asthenia, chest pain, feeling abnormal, peripheral edema, pyrexia, graft complication
• Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Fluid overload, gout, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic-type reactions^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Chromaturia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Confusion

Further information

Iron sucrose 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.

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