ferric citrate

In general, Auryxia should be taken with meals, not after eating. It works as a phosphate binder, helping to lower phosphorus levels in your blood by binding to phosphorus in the food you eat during your meal. Taking it after eating might make it not work as well. Always follow your prescriber's instructions on how to take this medication.

Yes, a change in stool color is common with iron-containing medications like Auryxia. Dark stools from this medication aren't usually serious and often go away when you stop treatment. But keep in mind that black stool can also be a sign of a stomach bleed. If you see other symptoms like bright red streaks when wiping, bloody diarrhea, or red-tinged water in the toilet, get medical help right away to check for a possible stomach bleed.

Not typically. Auryxia as an iron supplement raises hemoglobin levels, the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body. But hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), the blood test that measures your average blood sugar over 3 months, is completely different. HbA1C measures how much hemoglobin has sugar attached to it and used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes.

Yes. When taken, Auryxia can help raise iron stores in your body, which can help treat IDA in adults with CKD who aren't on dialysis. But your prescriber will monitor your iron levels regularly to make sure they don’t become too high, as excess iron can cause many health problems.

Yes, iron-containing products like Auryxia can cause constipation as a side effect, though diarrhea is also possible. If you experience constipation, make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Speak to your prescriber if it becomes bothersome.