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Infed is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, itching, and dizziness. Serious side effects are less common but may include serious allergic reactions. Your health care provider will likely give you a test dose of Infed before giving the first full dose. This is so you can be monitored for an allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction to Infed.

Uses

What is Infed used for?

Infed (iron dextran) is commonly used to treat certain people with iron deficiency anemia.

Infed may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Infed work (mechanism of action)?

Infed helps with iron deficiency anemia by adding more iron to your body. 

How is Infed supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Infed

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Infed is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Infed?

Infed 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 Infed?

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

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Back pain
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Low blood pressure
  • Itching
  • Redness and warmth of the face, ears, neck, or chest 
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of Infed 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 Infed?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Infed may cause allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Your health care provider will likely give you a test dose of Infed before giving the first full dose and likely monitor you for at least one hour 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
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • 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

Delayed Side Effects. It is possible to have side effects from Infed starting one to two days after a dose. Delayed side effects may include common side effects (see above). They may also include other side effects such as muscle or joint pain, feeling tired or not having your usual energy, fever, or chills. Even though these usually go away after about three to four days, you should still contact your health care provider right away if you have delayed side effects.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Infed?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Infed.

  • Infed 
  • Iron dextran
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Infed.

What should I know about Infed before using it?

Infed is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It will be injected into your veins. 

Allergic reactions that may lead to death can happen with Infed. Your health care provider will likely give you a test dose of Infed before giving you the first full dose. This is so you can be monitored for an allergic reaction.

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

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

Infed can interfere with certain lab test results and bone scans. If you have an upcoming lab test or bone scan, tell your health care provider if you have recently had a dose of Infed.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Infed?

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 Infed is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Infed may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Infed, 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. It is not known if or how Infed could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. If you have a serious allergic reaction to Infed, this may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Infed while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Infed 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 Infed while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Infed?

For more information about Infed, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.infed.com.

Interactions

Does Infed interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Infed and foods or drinks.

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

Does Infed 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 of the following before using Infed.

  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • A supplement or medicine with iron in it

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Infed. 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 Infed?

If you or someone else has used too much Infed, 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 Infed?

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

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