Iron polymaltose is used to treat iron deficiency anaemia (a blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells due to lack of iron).
It is used for those who cannot take oral iron supplements.
Iron polymaltose is to be injected intramuscularly (into the muscle) using a certain injection technique.
This medicine may also be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
After each administration, your doctor or nurse will observe you for at least 30 minutes.
The dose of Iron polymaltose will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Iron polymaltose.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Iron polymaltose if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other iron medications.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- anaemia that is not caused by low level of iron e.g. haemolytic anaemia (type of anaemia where red blood cells are prematurely destroyed), megaloblastic anaemia (type of anaemia characterised by large red blood cells)
- iron overload (too much iron in the blood)
- asthma
- long-term arthritis that affects five or more joints
- overactive parathyroid gland
- kidney infection or inflammation
- severe liver disease e.g. cirrhosis, hepatitis
- Osler-Rendu-Weber syndrome (an inherited disorder of the blood vessels)
as Iron polymaltose may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are on your 1st trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while being treated with Iron polymaltose, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other diseases of the blood
- heart disease
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- ankylosing spondylitis (type of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness in your spine)
- folic acid deficiency
- history of allergic disorders
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are on your 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
If you are going to undergo certain laboratory tests (e.g. blood bilirubin and calcium tests), and imaging or bone scans, inform your doctor that you are being treated with this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. haemoglobin, blood iron levels) while you are being treated with Iron polymaltose. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Iron polymaltose may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sweating, back pain, muscle or joint pain, stiffness of the arms or legs, and pain at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, swollen face, eyes, mouth or throat
- sudden difficulty of breathing, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- oral iron supplements
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, captopril
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Iron polymaltose.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Do not freeze Iron polymaltose otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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