Ferrlecit vs. Venofer for Iron Deficiency: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ferrlecit

(sodium ferric gluconate)

Venofer

(iron sucrose)

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 Venofer

Prescription only

Venofer (iron sucrose) is an injectable iron supplement that's used to treat iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in adults and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Venofer (iron sucrose) is given by a healthcare professional as an injection or infusion through the veins (IV). The dose depends on your age, your need for dialysis, and the type of dialysis you're having (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis). Side effects include low blood pressure, headache, and nausea.

Indications for Venofer

Iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count due to low iron levels) in people with chronic kidney disease

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

Works well for treating iron-deficiency anemia
Has relatively low risk of severe allergic reactions compared to other IV iron supplements
Can be given as a shorter IV injection for some people

Cons

Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional
Requires multiple doses and office visits to complete treatment
No lower-cost generic available; brand name only

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Adults with CKD on hemodialysis:

Low blood pressure (39%)
Muscle cramps (29%)
Nausea (15%)
Headache (13%)
Vomiting (9%)
High blood pressure (7%)
Dizziness (7%)
Diarrhea (5%)

Children 2 years and older with CKD:

Headache (6%)
Viral respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold; 4%)
Swelling in stomach area (4%)
Vomiting (4%)
Fever (4%)
Dizziness (4%)
Cough (4%)

Warnings for Venofer

Serious allergic reactions
Low blood pressure
Too much iron in the body

Prices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Venofer

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

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Venofer10 vials / 5ml of 20mg/ml

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Ferrlecit vs. Venofer

Ferrlecit

Venofer

Summary for Ferrlecit

Indications for Ferrlecit

Pros and Cons for Ferrlecit

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ferrlecit

Warnings for Ferrlecit

Summary for Venofer

Indications for Venofer

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Warnings for Venofer

Prices with our coupons for Ferrlecit vs. Venofer

Browse medications by letter

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Ferrlecit

Venofer

Summary for Ferrlecit

Indications for Ferrlecit

Pros and Cons for Ferrlecit

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ferrlecit

Warnings for Ferrlecit

Summary for Venofer

Indications for Venofer

Pros and Cons for Venofer

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Venofer

Warnings for Venofer