Compare Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate)Ferumoxytol (Feraheme)
- Ferrlecit (sodium ferric gluconate)Ferumoxytol (Feraheme)
Summary of Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Summary for Iron supplementPrescription onlyFerrlecit, 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.
Summary for Iron supplementPrescription onlyFerumoxytol (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 of Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Indications for•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)Indications forTreatment 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 of Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Pros and Const for Iron supplementPros•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 reactionsPros and Const for Iron supplementPros•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 medicationCons•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 needlesCommon Side Effects of Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Common Side Effects forAdults:
•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%)Common Side Effects forSide 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 of Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
Common Side Effects for•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)Common Side Effects for•Serious allergic reaction•Lower blood pressure•Too much iron in the blood•Inaccurate imaging testPrices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Feraheme
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