Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body cannot produce enough red blood cells due to low levels of iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. Iron deficiency may be caused by blood loss, diets containing low levels of iron and poor absorption of iron due to digestive problems. Sodium ferric gluconate, or Ferrlecit, is indicated for patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
Sodium Ferric Gluconate and Anemia
Sodium ferric gluconate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis who are also receiving erthyropoietin, or EPO, injections. Sodium ferric gluconate and EPO are given to patients to increase red blood cells production. Patients with chronic kidney failure develop anemia because the kidneys are involved in the production of red blood cells. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone known as erythropoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Diseased kidneys do not make enough EPO, which leads to anemia. Blood loss during hemodialysis also causes anemia.
Administration of Sodium Ferric Gluconate
Sodium ferric gluconate is adminstred as an intramuscular injection at the doctor's office or in a hospital. Sodium ferric gluconate should be taken 3 hours apart from medications such as cephalosporins and tetracycline antibiotics, according to Drugs.com. Patients allergic to sodium ferric gluconate and patients with iron overload should not use sodium ferric gluconate. Patients receiving sodium ferric injections require regular lab tests to check for the levels of iron in the blood.
Side Effects of Sodium Ferric Gluconate
Patients taking sodium ferric gluconate may experience side effects such as pain and redness at injection site, headache, abdominal pain, fever, back pain, weakness, tiredness, lightheartedness, nausea, malaise, double vision, cramps, hypotension, flushing and itching, fast heart-rate and increased sweating, according to Drugs.com. Patients who experience symptoms of severe allergic reactions to sodium ferric gluconate such as wheezing and respiratory problems should seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. Low levels of red blood cells lead to poor oxygenation of tissues and body organs. Patients with low levels of red blood cells and oxygen experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, coldness in hands and feet, rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm, dizziness, brittle nails, sore tongue, headache, irritability, decreased appetite and unusual food cravings, according to PubMedHealth.
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