- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
Common known side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
with injection only
- Backache , groin, side, or muscle pain- chest pain- chills- dizziness- fainting- fast heartbeat- fever with increased sweating- flushing- headache- metallic taste- nausea or vomiting- numbness, pain, or tingling of hands or feet- pain or redness at injection site- redness of skin- skin rash or hives- swelling of mouth or throat- troubled breathingMore common
when taken by mouth only
- Abdominal or stomach pain- cramping (continuing) or sorenessLess common or rare
with injection only
- Double vision- general unwell feeling- weakness without feeling dizzy or faintLess common or rare
when taken by mouth only
- Chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing- stools with signs of blood (red or black color)Early symptoms of iron overdose
- Diarrhea (may contain blood)- fever- nausea- stomach pain or cramping (sharp)- vomiting, severe (may contain blood)Symptoms of iron overdose may not occur for up to 60 minutes or more after the overdose was taken. By this time you should have had emergency room treatment. Do not delay going to emergency room while waiting for signs to appear.
Late symptoms of iron overdose
- Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, and palms of hands- convulsions (seizures)- pale, clammy skin- shallow and rapid breathing- unusual tiredness or weakness- weak and fast heartbeatSome side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Constipation- diarrhea- leg cramps- nausea- vomitingLess common
- Darkened urine- heartburn- stained teethStools commonly become dark green or black when iron preparations are taken by mouth. This is caused by unabsorbed iron and is harmless. However, in rare cases, black stools of a sticky consistency may occur along with other side effects such as red streaks in the stool, cramping, soreness, or sharp pains in the stomach or abdominal area. Check with your health care professional immediately if these side effects appear.
If you have been receiving injections of iron, you may notice a brown discoloration of your skin. This color usually fades within several weeks or months.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects





