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Ferrlecit vs. Venofer

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)

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.

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

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%)

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