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Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme

Ferrlecit, the brand name for sodium ferric gluconate complex, is an iron supplement that's given as an injection through the vein. It's FDA approved to treat iron-deficiency anemia in adults and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are receiving hemodialysis and epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit). Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate) is given with each dialysis session. It's administered by a healthcare professional typically as an intravenous (IV) infusion over an hour, but it can also be given as a faster injection for adults. Side effects can include low blood pressure, stomach upset, and headaches.

• Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people age 6 years and older with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis and epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit)

Adults:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (35%)
• Injection site reaction (33%)
• Lower blood pressure (29%)
• Cramps (25%)
• Higher blood pressure (13%)
• Dizziness (13%)
• Abnormal changes in red blood cells (11%)
• Shortness of breath (11%)
• General pain (10%)
• Chest pain (10%)
• Leg cramps (10%)

Children:

• Lower blood pressure (35%)
• Headache (24%)
• Higher blood pressure (23%)
• Fast heart rate (17%)
• Vomiting (11%)

• Serious allergic reactions
• Low blood pressure
• Too much iron in the body
• Not approved for newborns or infants because of risk of serious breathing problem (gasping syndrome)

Ferumoxytol (Feraheme) is an injectable medication that can raise iron levels in your body. It's used to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adults. Ferumoxytol (Feraheme) is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider. Common side effects of ferumoxytol (Feraheme) include headache, nausea, and dizziness. Rarely, it can cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in:

• Adults who can't take oral iron supplements
• Adults who didn't see improvement in their iron levels after oral iron supplements
• Adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Side effects experienced by people without CKD:

• Headache (3%)
• Nausea (3%)
• Dizziness (2%)
• Tiredness (2%)

Side effects experienced by people with CKD:

• Dizziness (3%)
• Nausea (2%)
• Vomiting (2%)
• Low blood pressure (2%)
• Swelling of your hands and legs (2%)
• Headache (2%)

• Serious allergic reaction
• Lower blood pressure
• Too much iron in the blood
• Inaccurate imaging test