Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme for Anemia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ferrlecit

(sodium ferric gluconate)

Ferumoxytol

(Feraheme)

Summary for Ferrlecit

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Ferrlecit

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)

Pros and Cons for Ferrlecit

Pros

IV infusion can be given at the same time as dialysis, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule
Safe for children as young as 6 years old with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Cons

Requires blood pressure monitoring to make sure this medication is safe for you
Not a recommended option during pregnancy
Has a risk of severe allergic reactions

Common Side Effects for Ferrlecit

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%)

Warnings for Ferrlecit

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)

Summary for Feraheme

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Feraheme

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)

Pros and Cons for Feraheme

Pros

Safe to use in people with chronic kidney disease
Two infusions of ferumoxytol (Feraheme) can be given as early as 3 days apart, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule.
Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

Requires blood pressure monitoring to make sure this medication is safe for you
Potential risk of severe allergic reactions
Given IV, so not a preferred option for people who don't like needles

Common Side Effects for Feraheme

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%)

Warnings for Feraheme

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

Prices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme

Sodium Ferric Gluconate16 vials / 5ml of 62.5mg/5ml

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Ferumoxytol1 vial / 17ml of 510mg

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Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme

Ferrlecit

Ferumoxytol

Summary for Ferrlecit

Indications for Ferrlecit

Pros and Cons for Ferrlecit

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ferrlecit

Warnings for Ferrlecit

Summary for Feraheme

Indications for Feraheme

Pros and Cons for Feraheme

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Feraheme

Warnings for Feraheme

Prices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme

Browse medications by letter

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Ferrlecit

Ferumoxytol

Summary for Ferrlecit

Indications for Ferrlecit

Pros and Cons for Ferrlecit

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ferrlecit

Warnings for Ferrlecit

Summary for Feraheme

Indications for Feraheme

Pros and Cons for Feraheme

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Feraheme

Warnings for Feraheme