Jectofer
Pronunciation: JEK-toh-fer.
- Generic name
- iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised)
- Drug class
- Parenteral iron preparation (intramuscular iron-deficiency anaemia treatment)
- Form
- Solution for injection, 50 mg iron per mL (historically supplied as 2 mL ampoules, i.e. 100 mg iron per ampoule)
- Route
- Intramuscular injection only -- historically NOT for intravenous use
- Legal status
- Historical prescription-only injectable. Its Canadian marketing authorisation is officially cancelled (2003); no current UK product licence page was found; current status in the United States, European Union, Australia, and New Zealand could not be verified.
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
Boxed warning
No formal boxed warning was found in the sources reviewed for this historical product. The most important safety fact about Jectofer is that it is intended for intramuscular injection only -- historical sources warn that intravenous administration risked serious toxic reactions from rapid iron-transferrin saturation. (3)
What iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised) is and how it works
Jectofer is a historical injectable iron medicine (an iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex) that was given by intramuscular injection to treat iron-deficiency anaemia in people who could not take, tolerate, or absorb oral iron tablets. It largely predates today's modern intravenous iron treatments. (3) (1)
This page describes a mostly-discontinued historical medicine. Its marketing authorisation in Canada has been officially cancelled since 2003, and no current UK product information could be found either. If your clinician has mentioned Jectofer to you, ask them directly whether it is still available where you live and what modern alternative might be used instead -- do not assume this medicine is available to you based on this page.
Mechanism of action: how iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised) works
Iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex is absorbed from the intramuscular injection site, in part directly into the bloodstream and in part via the lymphatic system, replenishing iron stores for haemoglobin synthesis. It was formulated specifically for intramuscular use; historical sources warn that intravenous administration of this particular complex risked toxic reactions from rapid transferrin saturation, distinguishing it from modern intravenous iron formulations designed for IV use. (3)
What iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised) is used for
Iron-deficiency anaemia (historical use)
Historically used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia and to replenish the body's iron stores in people who could not use oral iron because of poor absorption (e.g. intestinal malabsorption), gastrointestinal intolerance to oral iron tablets, difficulty taking tablets reliably, late pregnancy, or ongoing chronic blood loss. (3)
Before taking iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Historically, Jectofer was not used for anaemias not caused by iron deficiency, such as haemolytic anaemia, aplastic anaemia, acute leukaemia, or thalassaemia. (historical reference) (3)
- Historically avoided in acute pyelonephritis (a kidney infection), acute liver disease, and early pregnancy. (historical reference) (3)
- Historically avoided in anyone with known hypersensitivity to iron sorbitol. (historical reference) (3)
Tell your clinician about
- That you have seen a reference to Jectofer and want to know whether it -- or a modern alternative -- is actually available to you, since this page cannot confirm current supply in any country.
- Any history of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to injectable iron products.
- Any kidney, liver, or blood disorder, and the specific cause of your anaemia.
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised)
- This page does not provide current administration instructions, because Jectofer is not confirmed to be currently available or currently prescribed in any of the markets reviewed.
- Historically, Jectofer was given only by intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional -- historical sources specifically warn it was not given intravenously, because of a risk of serious toxic reactions.
- Any decision to use this or a similar iron injection must be made and administered by a qualified clinician, never self-administered.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3)
Missed dose
Not applicable -- this page does not provide current treatment guidance for a mostly-discontinued historical product. If you are receiving any iron injection today, follow your current clinician's specific instructions.
Overdose
Historical sources note that severe systemic reactions, including cardiac involvement, were reported primarily with overdose of iron-sorbitol injections. If you believe an overdose of any iron injection has occurred, seek emergency medical attention immediately. (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
Discomfort at the injection site.
What to notice: Discomfort at the injection site.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (3)
Temporary skin discolouration at the injection site.
What to notice: Temporary skin discolouration at the injection site.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (3)
A metallic taste.
What to notice: A metallic taste.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (3)
Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
What to notice: Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (3)
Serious warnings
Signs of a serious allergic or systemic reaction — emergency
Symptoms: Historical sources describe severe systemic reactions, including cardiac involvement, especially with overdose or incorrect (intravenous) administration of this intramuscular-only product.
Action: If you or someone you know experiences a severe reaction after any iron injection, seek emergency medical help immediately. (3)
Interactions
- This page does not provide a current, verified drug-interaction list for Jectofer, since it is not confirmed to be currently available or currently labelled in any market reviewed. Discuss any current iron therapy and your other medicines directly with your prescriber.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Historical sources describe avoidance in early pregnancy, with cautious use later in pregnancy considered a historical indication when oral iron was not suitable. This is historical reference only -- discuss any current iron therapy in pregnancy directly with your obstetric care team. (1) (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
Not established in the sources reviewed for this historical product. (1) (2) (3)
Children
Not established in the sources reviewed for this historical product. (1) (2) (3)
Elderly
Not established in the sources reviewed for this historical product. (1) (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal_impairment
Not established in the sources reviewed for this historical product. (1) (2) (3)
Source_ids
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirmation of true iron-deficiency anaemia (rather than another cause of anaemia) before any iron injection is considered.
During treatment
- Not established in the sources reviewed for this historical product -- any current iron injection therapy should follow the monitoring plan set by your treating clinician.
Storage
Historical sources note the product could precipitate (form solid particles) if refrigerated; storage guidance for a currently supplied product is not established, since current availability could not be confirmed in any market reviewed.
Professional information
Historical clinical reference only, drawn from a secondary compilation source, not a live current regulator label. Jectofer's Canadian marketing authorisation is officially cancelled (2003); no current UK, US, EU, Australian, or New Zealand product information was found. Confirm current local product information, or a modern alternative, before considering any parenteral iron therapy.
Canada
Indication: Iron-deficiency anaemia (historical; marketing authorisation cancelled 2003)
Dose summary: Historically approximately 1.5 mg iron/kg/day intramuscularly (around 100 mg for a 70 kg adult); no current guidance applies since the product is no longer marketed.
Renal context: Not established in the sources reviewed. (1) (3)
United Kingdom
Indication: Iron-deficiency anaemia (historical; no current SmPC found)
Dose summary: Historical dosing as above; no current UK product information exists to confirm present-day guidance.
Renal context: Not established in the sources reviewed. (2) (3)
Hepatic guidance
Historically avoided in acute liver disease; no further current guidance established.
Overdose note
Historical sources describe severe systemic and cardiac reactions with overdose; manage as a medical emergency with supportive care. (3)
Frequently asked questions
Is Jectofer still available today?
Largely, no. Its Canadian marketing authorisation was officially cancelled in 2003 (Health Canada Drug Product Database), and no current UK product licence page could be found. Current status in the United States, European Union, Australia, and New Zealand could not be verified in either direction. If a clinician has mentioned Jectofer, ask them directly about current availability and modern alternatives. (1) (2)
What was Jectofer used for?
It was historically used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia by intramuscular injection, mainly in people who could not use oral iron tablets because of poor absorption, intolerance, non-adherence, or ongoing blood loss. (3)
Why was Jectofer given only by injection into a muscle, not into a vein?
Historical sources describe this specific iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex as intended for intramuscular use only, warning that giving it intravenously risked serious toxic reactions from the iron saturating the blood's transferrin (iron-carrying protein) too quickly. (3)
What should I use instead of Jectofer today?
This page cannot recommend a specific replacement product. If you need iron-replacement therapy, ask your prescriber about current, modern options suited to your situation.
What is the mechanism of action of iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised)?
Iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex is absorbed from the intramuscular injection site, in part directly into the bloodstream and in part via the lymphatic system, replenishing iron stores for haemoglobin synthesis. It was formulated specifically for intramuscular use; historical sources warn that intravenous administration of this particular complex risked toxic reactions from rapid transferrin saturation, distinguishing it from modern intravenous iron formulations designed for IV use. (3)
References
- JECTOFER 50 MG/ML -- DIN 00001910, AstraZeneca Canada Inc.Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD) / Drug and Health Products Portal · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
- Jectofer 100 mg/2 mL solution for injection ampoules (AstraZeneca UK Ltd) -- Actual Medicinal Product (AMP) recordNHS Business Services Authority dictionary of medicines and devices (dm+d) browser, and legacy AstraZeneca UK Ltd product listings · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
- Jectofer (Iron-Sorbitol-Citric Acid) -- clinical monographRxMed clinical reference compilation (secondary source -- NOT a live current regulator label; used only for historical clinical/mechanism facts, never as evidence of current market authorisation) · Not country-specific (historical clinical monograph) · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient iron-sorbitol-citric acid complex (dextrin-stabilised) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.