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Feraheme

Generic name: ferumoxytolFER-ue-MOX-i-tol ]
Drug class: Iron products

Medically reviewed by Jane Grigg, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 30, 2023.

What is Feraheme?

Feraheme is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen.

Feraheme is an iron replacement product that is used in adults used to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which is low red blood cells caused by a lack of iron in the body.

Feraheme is given to adults with IDA and chronic kidney disease, or to adults with IDA when iron taken by mouth is not effective.

Warnings

You should not use Feraheme if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an injectable form of iron (including ferumoxytol), or if you have iron overload syndrome or any type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency.

Ferumoxytol can cause severe and sometimes fatal allergic reactions, even if you have used this medicine before without any reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, itching, wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or feeling like you might pass out. Watch for signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after your injection.

Feraheme can cause unusual results with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests for up to 3 months after you receive this medication. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received this injection within the past 3 months.

Feraheme will not affect other types of X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or nuclear radiation imaging.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Feraheme if you are allergic to ferumoxytol, or if:

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ferumoxytol will harm an unborn baby, but this medicine may cause severe reactions in the mother that could affect the baby's heartbeat.

Having iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating this condition with Feraheme may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is Feraheme given?

Feraheme is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

This medicine must be given slowly over 15 minutes.

You will be watched for at least 30 minutes to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Feraheme is usually given in 2 doses, 3 to 8 days apart.

You may need frequent medical tests, even if you have no symptoms.

Feraheme can affect the results of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for up to 3 months after you receive this medicine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have received a Feraheme injection.

Feraheme will not affect other types of X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or nuclear radiation imaging.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Initial dose: 510 mg, IV, over at least 15 minutes
Second dose: 510 mg, IV, over at least 15 minutes, 3 to 8 days after the initial dose

Comments:
-The patient should be reclined or semi-reclined during administration.
-Evaluate hematologic response at least one month after the second infusion.
-May be readministered for persistent or recurrent iron deficiency anemia.

Use: Iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Feraheme?

Do not take iron supplements or a vitamin/mineral supplement that your doctor has not prescribed or recommended.

Feraheme side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Feraheme: hives, itching; wheezing, difficult breathing; a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Feraheme can cause severe or fatal allergic reactions, even if you have used this medicine before without any reaction. Watch for signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after your injection.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Feraheme side effects may include:

What other drugs will affect Feraheme?

Feraheme can make it harder for your body to absorb iron medicines you take by mouth.

Other drugs may interact with ferumoxytol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Feraheme only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.