Dextran (high molecular weight)

High-molecular weight dextran is a plasma volume expander made from natural sources of sugar (glucose). It helps restore blood plasma lost due to severe bleeding. Severe blood loss can lower oxygen levels and may lead to organ failure, brain damage, coma, and possibly death. Plasma is necessary to circulate red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

Dextran is used to treat hypovolemia (reduced volume of circulating blood plasma), which can happen after surgery, trauma or injury, severe burns, or other causes of bleeding.

Dextran may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This medicine is given through an IV in your vein. A healthcare provider will perform the injection.

Let your caregivers know if you experience any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other important signs will be closely monitored while you are receiving dextran (high molecular weight). Your blood will also be tested daily during treatment, and you may need chest x-rays as well.

You should not take this medication if you have severe kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled bleeding.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to dextran, or if you have

• severe kidney disease
• severe congestive heart failure; or
• uncontrolled bleeding.

If possible before you receive dextran, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenic purpura (easy bruising or bleeding);
• heart disease, fluid retention;
• asthma or breathing problems;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy, seizures, or migraine headaches;
• a stomach or intestinal disorder;
• a food or drug allergy; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received this medicine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether high-molecular weight dextran will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether high-molecular weight dextran passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives or skin rash; stuffy nose, wheezing, chest tightness; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing; or
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects of dextran may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• joint pain;
• fever; or
• pain, swelling, or bruising along the vein where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Because you will receive dextran in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, it is unlikely to have an overdose.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and any you start or stop using during your treatment with high molecular weight dextran, especially:

• medicines used to prevent blood clots, such as dabigatran, dalteparin, enoxaparin, fondaparinux, tinzaparin, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with high molecular weight dextran, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.