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Overview: Sodium ferric gluconate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site. Serious side effects are less common but may include low blood pressure or a serious allergic reaction. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction or feel lightheaded or like you may faint.

Uses

What is sodium ferric gluconate used for?

Sodium ferric gluconate is commonly used in certain people with chronic kidney disease to treat iron deficiency anemia. 

Sodium ferric gluconate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does sodium ferric gluconate work (mechanism of action)?

Sodium ferric gluconate helps with iron deficiency anemia by adding more iron to your body. 

How is sodium ferric gluconate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ferrlecit

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Sodium ferric gluconate is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store sodium ferric gluconate?

Sodium ferric gluconate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium ferric gluconate?

The most common side effects of sodium ferric gluconate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Low blood pressure (see below)
  • High blood pressure
  • Cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat

There may be other side effects of sodium ferric gluconate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sodium ferric gluconate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium ferric gluconate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Sodium ferric gluconate may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium ferric gluconate may cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. After receiving an infusion of sodium ferric gluconate, your health care provider will likely monitor you for at least 30 minutes to watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sodium ferric gluconate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sodium ferric gluconate.

  • Ferrlecit
  • Sodium ferric gluconate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium ferric gluconate products they stock.

What should I know about sodium ferric gluconate before using it?

Sodium ferric gluconate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It will be injected into your veins. After a dose of sodium ferric gluconate, your health care provider will likely monitor you for at least 30 minutes to watch for an allergic reaction.

Your health care provider will likely check your blood count and iron levels before starting sodium ferric gluconate and while you are using it. This is to monitor your treatment and make sure it is working. 

Sodium ferric gluconate can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how sodium ferric gluconate affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium ferric gluconate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sodium ferric gluconate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Past Reaction to IV Iron. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a strange reaction or an allergic reaction to any IV iron product. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sodium ferric gluconate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sodium ferric gluconate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. If you are pregnant, a serious reaction to sodium ferric gluconate could cause harm to a fetus. Additionally, the benzyl alcohol present in sodium ferric gluconate may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sodium ferric gluconate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sodium ferric gluconate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sodium ferric gluconate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sodium ferric gluconate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sodium ferric gluconate. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while using sodium ferric gluconate.

Does sodium ferric gluconate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any oral iron before using sodium ferric gluconate.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sodium ferric gluconate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium ferric gluconate?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium ferric gluconate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium ferric gluconate?

Sodium ferric gluconate is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving sodium ferric gluconate as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your sodium ferric gluconate dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.