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What does it do?

Iron (as polymaltose) is used to treat some types of anaemia. It increases the amount of iron in your body.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you have a condition called haemochromatosis or thalassaemia.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How is it given?

Iron is usually given as an infusion into a vein or as an injection into a muscle. It is given to you by a health professional.

You will need to stay for 30 minutes once the infusion is completed, to check you do not have any side effects.

What if you forget a dose?

If you are unable to attend an appointment, contact your health professional.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with iron including:

  • iron supplements (e.g. Ferro-Tab®) – these are not usually needed while receiving iron injections

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side EffectsRecommended action

Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing

Dark stain around injection site

Tell your health professional immediately

Irritation or pain at injection site

Flushing

Nausea

Dizziness

Tell your health professional if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.


This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed